Title
To express the City of Columbus’ support to the residents of Flint, Michigan during the ongoing water contamination crisis
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Flint is the seventh largest city in the State of Michigan and home to over one percent of the state’s population; and
WHEREAS, nearly one-third of the City of Flint’s population are children under the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, the introduction of lead into the City of Flint’s water supply caused the Mayor of Flint to declare a public health state of emergency on December 15, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the County of Genesee, Michigan endorsed the City of Flint’s declaration of emergency on January 4, 2016, followed by the State of Michigan on January 5, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared that lead affects children’s brain development resulting in lower intelligence quotient, reduced educational attainment, anemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity, toxicity to the reproductive organs, and other irreversible neurological and behavioral effects; and
WHEREAS, the effect on Flint’s special education, mental health services and juvenile justice system will be generational; and
WHEREAS, as of the date of introduction of this resolution, the residents of Flint are not consuming or using publicly supplied water for normal purposes; and
WHEREAS, the people of Columbus have shown a historical commitment to helping those in need throughout the United States and around the world; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the City of Columbus affirms its commitment to help as we are able for those residents of Flint, Michigan effected by the leeching of lead into their water supply and that all city departments, local private business, and charitable and non-profit organizations are urged to work with governmental and non-governmental organizations to provide material and non-material assistance for the people of Flint for so long as that community is ...
Click here for full text