Flint Water Crisis --Madeleine Norton, 4th period

Michigan's state government recently switched their water supply two Aprils ago from Lake Huron to Flint River to save costs, much to the citizens' chagrin. Many noted the water to smell/taste/look funny, but it wasn't until recently when the water was discovered to be corrosive that people realized the state wasn't treating the water (as was state law). In October the city switched back to Lake Huron but apparently the pipework was heavily damaged due to the previous river's water. One of the major problems the city is dealing with right now, however, centers around the governor himself.

Earlier today, CNN posted, "Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder acknowledged Monday the water crisis in Flint is a disaster, but said he would not be stepping down. In an interview with the National Journal, the Republican governor said critics calling the crisis his 'Katrina,' referring to then-President George W. Bush's handling of Hurricane Katrina, is not unfair. 'It's a disaster,' he reportedly said. 'It's clearly a negative on what we've accomplished since I've been governor. And I don't even describe it as an opportunity. I just want to make sure we're doing whatever we can to deal with the damage and address the people of Flint in a constructive way.'"

 It appears as though he's too stubborn to back down from his position, and in his defense he is trying to fix the problem. But if the residents see him as the water problem's source and unreliable in making changes, then he needs to act according to the law when he is asked to resign. In this case does he have the right of free speech? Or is he breaking constitutional law by refusing to resign?

Article here: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/18/us/flint-michigan-water-crisis-governor-snyder/index.html