LANSING, Mich. — Fortune Magazine has named Gov. Rick Snyder one of the the most disappointing leaders in the world.
Snyder tops a list of 19 leaders that was published Wednesday.
The magazine cites the governor’s handling of the Flint water crisis:
Snyder and his team sparked national outrage after an attempt at cost-savings left the impoverished city of Flint, Mich. with a lead-tainted water supply that is being blamed for illness and brain damage, especially among its youngest residents. Called to testify before Congress, Snyder, who touted his competence in his gubernatorial campaign, labeled the experience the “most humbling” of his life—then attempted to shift blame.
Ari Adler, Snyder’s spokesperson, dismissed the list and argued the magazine’s assessment that Flint River water was used as a cost-saving measure was not accurate.
“Gov. Snyder is focused on fixing problems, not internet polls. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that a major news publication would ask its readers to vote on something like this and then give them incorrect information on which to base their vote,” Adler said by email to FOX 17 on Wednesday evening.
“The decision on whether to use corrosion control in the Flint water supply was not about saving money, but rather was a mistake made by bureaucrats who misinterpreted a flawed federal rule.”
Adler said Snyder is the only leader at all levels of government involved in the Flint water crisis who has been willing to stand up, apologize, and take responsibility.
Also included on the list are Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli, Chipotle co-CEOs Montgomery Moran and Steve Ells and President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff.
