Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is being accused of using the Flint water crisis as a political tool, to benefit his own career. He charged two more top officials last week.
Governor Snyder, immediately came out in defense of Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon, who was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Snyder released a video statement making it clear Lyon would not be suspended and remain “On Duty.”
Jim Haveman, former director of the department has also come to Lyon’s defense, and told MIRS News he believes Schuette is using Flint to aid him in his run for governor.
He blames Schuette for “the sweeping up of persons to blame,” which he argues “should send a chill down the spine of law abiding citizens… while families and careers are destroyed.”
Haveman continued, “Everyone knows he sees his charges of a dozen folks to be a stepping stone as he seeks the GOP nomination for the state’s top office… They are trying to show how tough they can be.”
He concluded the by telling MIRS, “we should be thanking him (Lyon) for his solid leadership and not charging him with manslaughter.”
Snyder said in his video statement last week, “Some state employees were charged over a year ago, and have been suspended from work since that time. They still have not had their day in court. That is not justice for Flint nor for those who have been charged.”
Many conservatives across the state agree with Governor Snyder and Haveman, and are skeptical of Schuette’s investigation. It’s no secret Schuette will likely run for governor, and between these recent charges and the investigation being drawn out, he could be using this tragedy as a political tool to benefit him in the race. If Michigan voters agree with this sentiment, it will be detrimental to his 2018 bid for governor.
