Michigan appoints ex-prosecutor to lead Flint water probe

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Michigan appoints ex-prosecutor to lead Flint water probe

David Eggert and Mike Householder, Associated Press

Updated 6:34 am, Tuesday, January 26, 2016

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's Republican attorney general has named a former prosecutor to spearhead an investigation into the process that left Flint's drinking water tainted with lead, though Democrats questioned whether the special counsel would be impartial.

Attorney General Bill Schuette said Monday that Todd Flood, a former assistant prosecutor for Wayne County, which includes Detroit, will lead the probe and be joined by Andy Arena, a retired head of Detroit's FBI office.

Schuette said the two would play key roles in the investigation and prevent conflicts of interest since the attorney general's office also defends the state. Both will report to Schuette, who promised they would provide an "experienced and independent review of all the facts and circumstances."

. . .

State Rep. LaTanya Garrett, D-Detroit, is asking U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to open a federal investigation instead. She noted that Schuette denied a Democratic legislator's September request for a state investigation.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/science/article/Michigan-AG-appointed-prosecutor-to-lead-Flint-6783817.php

[Hoppy]

1. Is this gonna be like when Christie hired a campaign contributor to investigate Bridgegate?

The law firm found no wrongdoing on Christie's part.

They also kept no records of their interviews.

[groundloop]

3. that's EXACTLY what it is.... Todd Flood is a large donor to both Governor and AG

And that is why the feds need to do a thorough investigation.

IMO it's pretty clear that Snyder forced the move away from the Detroit city water system in a political move to hasten privatization of public utilities. Whether he was forewarned that using water from the Flint River without adding adequate corrosion inhibitors is a question that should be looked into.

[cloudythescribbler]

2. check this out -- it's what snyder is covering up

it was the governor's office, not lower-downs, who insisted on shifting Flint's water supply to source state Dept of Environment specialists warned beforehand was toxic:

he should be prosecuted, but all we'll get is a modified limited hangout (remember that phrase?)

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/01/24/exclusive-gov-rick-snyder-s-men-originally-rejected-using-flint-s-toxic-river.html

[lark]

4. The fix is in.

The Justice Dept. should be investigating this not some handpicked lackey of Snyders.

[llmart]

5. I'd love to see Barbara McQuade be involved in this....

I've met her. I've heard her speak. She is a bulldog and a fighter not intimidated by anyone.

Schuette is as crooked as they come.