Flint Neighborhoods United meeting hears about high-speed internet, lifting of pandemic restrictions and rodent control
By Coner Segren At the most recent Flint Neighborhoods United monthly meeting, residents heard from Gary Jones, Flint community liaison for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Office of Community Outreach, about the state’s lifting of pandemic restrictions. They also heard about a new federal program to allow for high-speed internet for communities lacking access and got tips from a local conservation group about how to control rodents....
Education Beat: District Superintendent Steward reprimanded by Flint School Board; she responds
By Harold C. Ford “I’m just so happy we got the homegrown girl. I think this is going to be beneficial for our district.” — Carol McIntosh, Flint school board trustee, June 25, 2020, upon the appointment of Anita Steward to the Flint Schools superintendent position “I don’t feel like this board is being respected. It is my hope to get Ms. Steward on track so we can move forward.” —Carol McIntosh, Flint school board president,...
Commentary: For the Aug, 3 city council primary, take the time to learn about your candidates, and vote!
By Paul Rozycki They typically have eight- or ten-hour meetings that often last until dawn. They spend hours bickering and attacking each other personally. They failed to approve the current city budget on time, a violation of the city charter. Only after the city faced the prospect of a shutdown was the budget finalized. Some have faced personal threats. They have become the poster child of dysfunctional local government in Genesee...
Flint’s Poet Laureate, Semaj Brown, receives $50,000 award from the American Academy of Poets for civic project
By Tom Travis The American Academy of Poets has chosen Flint’s Poet Laureate, Semaj Brown, as one of 2021 Poet Laureate Fellows. Brown was chosen along with 22 other Poets Laureate from across the country. Each of the winners will receive $50,000 for their literary work as well as a project of their choosing with a “civic focus.” “I thank you all. Also thank you to the Academy of American Poets. To the...
Flint City Council fails to adopt budget second time: City’s ability to spend money ends June 30.
By Tom Travis This article has been updated to include a press release from Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley warning of a potential city government shutdown due to the city council’s failure to pass a budget. – EVM Editor For a second time in one week the city council failed to adopt a budget. At this time there is no other special council meeting scheduled. The resolution to adopt the budget was presented first through a...