Flint Water, Recovery Still Key Issue in Mayoral Race

Weaver, who faces off today against former City Councilman Sheldon Neeley, says Flint has made significant progress in repairing its water infrastructure but that there is still much to do.

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

Editor’s Note. November 6, 2019. Per the Associated Press, Former Flint city councilman and current state Rep. Sheldon Neeley defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Weaver. The Genesee County Clerk’s Office reports Neeley received 7,082 votes to Weaver’s 6,877.

FLINT, Mich. — Flint is recovering from its lead-contaminated water crisis, but it remains a major issue in the mayoral race.

Mayor Karen Weaver faces off Tuesday against Sheldon Neeley, a state representative and former city councilman.

Weaver, who beat Neeley by 230 votes in the August primary, says Flint has made significant progress since the toxin was discovered. But she recently told The Flint Journal the city must finish replacing lead pipes.

Neeley says community trust is lacking and officials should boost transparency by publicizing financial information, such as how money is spent.

Weaver survived a recall effort in 2017. She was elected in 2015, when voters ousted Dayne Walling.

Walling and others initially said the water was safe, but blamed state and federal agencies for the problems.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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