Eric Mays is a well-known politician from Flint, MI, who serves on the City Council. He was elected in 2013 to represent the city’s first ward and has been re-elected twice since then. Mays is known for his outspokenness and willingness to speak his mind on a variety of issues, including the Flint water crisis.
Early Life and Education
Eric Mays was born and raised in Flint, MI. He attended Flint Central High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University. Mays later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint.
Career
Before entering politics, Eric Mays worked as a probation officer, a youth counselor, and a court officer. He was also a small business owner, running a cleaning company in Flint for many years.
Mays was first elected to the Flint City Council in 2013, defeating incumbent Dale Weighill. He has since been re-elected twice, in 2017 and 2021.
Flint Water Crisis
One of the issues that Eric Mays is most well-known for is his work during the Flint water crisis. Mays was one of the first public officials to speak out about the city’s water problems, which began in 2014 when the city switched its water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River.
Mays was a vocal critic of the state’s response to the crisis, calling for more action to be taken to protect Flint residents from lead contamination in their water. He also pushed to have the city re-connected to the Detroit water system, which eventually happened in 2015.
Controversies
Eric Mays has been involved in several controversies throughout his political career. In 2017, he was arrested for drunk driving and later pleaded guilty to the charge. He was also accused of using his position on the City Council for personal gain, although he has denied these allegations.
In 2020, Mays was suspended from the City Council for 90 days after using a racial slur during a public meeting. He later apologized for his comments and was allowed to return to his position on the council.
Personal Life
Eric Mays has been married and divorced multiple times and has several children. He is also a recovering alcoholic and has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction.
Mays is an active member of his community and has been involved in various community organizations throughout his career. He is also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Conclusion
Eric Mays is a well-known public figure in Flint, MI, who has been involved in local politics for many years. He is most known for his work during the Flint water crisis and his outspokenness on a variety of issues. While he has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, Mays remains a respected and influential member of the Flint community.