![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/2021sandersbio.jpg?itok=FLrorZAv)
Sanders calls on Michigan Governor to Resign in Wake of Water Crisis
January 22, 2016
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."
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to Newsroom![Senator Sanders honored women in the leadership at the event by presenting them with a proclamation recognizing their good work. They were (from left) Merlene Smith-Sotillo, President & CEO of Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Corp Int'l, First Lady Martha Harley-Lewis of Zion Gospel Church, April Jones, Founder & Executive Director of House-A-Soldier, Inc. and Dr. Deborah Hoyle, Director of Ocean Bay Community Cornerstone (The Child Center of New York).](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd10_womens_leadership_luncheon.jpg?itok=fuOCHX_p)
![Senator James Sanders Jr. supports the decriminalization, but not the legalization, of marijuana in New York State. He was joined by guest speaker Kevin Sabet, President and CEO, of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd10_marijuana_clergy_breakfast.jpg?itok=XFwkcWiP)
![Senator Sanders joined his legislative colleagues in calling for $1 million in the budget to launch a student loan consumer assistance program.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/03-04-19_650-19_0125.jpg?itok=AbvTuiuS)