Sanders calls on Michigan Governor to Resign in Wake of Water Crisis

State Senator James Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) today called on the Governor of Michigan to resign after residents of the city of Flint  were exposed to lead poisoning from contaminated water. 

The problem began after the city stopped getting its water supply from Lake Huron in order to save money and began drawing from the Flint River, which is known to be polluted, and then did not properly treat the water according to federal guidelines. 

The Governor, along with city and state officials, knew about the dangerous conditions for months, but failed to act swiftly to rectify the situation, putting the health of Flint residents at risk. 

"He had enough information to realize the water was toxic and cancerous, and just a disaster, but he let it continue to travel to homes," Sanders said of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. "I don't understand the reason behind his decision making. It may have been abject racism or a question of class. Perhaps he thought what happens to the lives of lesser folk is not as important as the dollar bill."