A court appointed mediator and two attorneys representing the city council were told by eight of nine Flint City Council members that they would not “be bullied” into agreeing to a contract concerning the city’s water supply. 

The statement was made during a special session held in the city hall chambers following a week of mediation sessions that took place in a Detroit courtroom between the council and attorneys for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. 

The MDEQ had a deadline of October 1 for the council to vote on the 30 year contract with the Great Lakes Water Authority concerning the city’s water supply.  

Only one city council member, Eric Mays from the First Ward, dissented.   The other eight members resisted the proposed contract and stated they want more information and more time to consider its implications and terms.   They especially want to understand how the contract will affect area resident’s water rates. 

According to Fourth Ward councilwoman Kate Fields, the mediation process has been “tortuous” and she does not believe that MDEQ cares “about Flint’s right to self-determination – they do not believe in letting the duly elected representatives of Flint make the decisions.  ” She also accused them of manipulating “… the law in any way they want to get what they want.  ”

Other council members echoed Fields’ sentiments.   One even went so far as to call the scenario “modern day oppression”, and stated the water contract would oppress a class and community of people.   She encouraged Flint residents to “push the envelope all the way to the end” so they are treated properly.