Gov. Snyder Booed By Crowd At Obama Flint Event
FLINT (WWJ/AP) - Speaking over waves of boos, Gov. Rick Snyder said he's sorry about Flint's contaminated water crisis.
Snyder's appearance at a Flint high school Wednesday surprised more than 1,000 people who were waiting to hear from President Barack Obama.
[President Obama In Flint: 'This Was A Man-Made Disaster']
Snyder has apologized repeatedly for his administration's failure to treat water that caused lead to leach from old plumbing. But he's never talked to such a large crowd in Flint since the scandal broke last fall.
Snyder told people he understands why they're "angry and frustrated." He said, "I'm sorry. ... Government failed you."
At the end of brief remarks, the governor got some applause — mixed with more boos.
Snyder met with Obama, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver, EPA officials and others prior to the President's public appearance on Wednesday. Obama and the governor were expected to discuss the latest involving the lead-contaminated water, with Snyder asking for more federal money to help with tests and infrastructure improvements.
Read my full statement on @POTUS' visit to #Flint -> https://t.co/INbgZxY5Pp #FlintFWD pic.twitter.com/Wwq4wnYrzQ
— Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) May 4, 2016
Dozens of people are rallying across the street from a Flint's Northwestern High School, prior to President Obama's speech.
The protesters chanted "Flint lives matter" and "They think it's a game, they think it's a joke," referring to the disgust that many feel for state officials over the scandal.
Democratic U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee said he gives Snyder points for showing up but he has more work to do.
"He may never get the people to like him but if he wants their respect he'll stand up for what he did and he'll bring the resources equal to the problem that everyone acknowledges he created," said Kildee.
I often get asked how this has affected me and I always say 'not nearly as much as it has affected the people of Flint.'
— Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) May 4, 2016
Meantime, critics of Snyder gathered signatures Wednesday for a recall election. A man in a hazardous-materials suit pounded a large barrel that was labeled "toxic."
MORE: Obama Visiting Flint For First Time Since Water Crisis Began
TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.