Michigan Water Regulator Fired as Flint Crisis Fallout Continues

"A high-ranking Michigan regulator was fired Friday for her role in the drinking water crisis in Flint, broadening the fallout from a situation that has endangered the health of children, prompted criminal investigations and become an issue in the presidential campaign.

Liane Shekter Smith, who led the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance unit, was fired after a disciplinary conference. Her firing followed the resignations in December of the department’s director, Dan Wyant, and chief spokesman, Brad Wurfel, both of whom were criticized for failing to recognize the scope of Flint’s water problems and for belittling those who attempted to raise alarms. A fourth employee, who worked under Ms. Shekter Smith, has been suspended.

“Putting the well-being of Michiganders first needs to be the top priority for all state employees,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement about the firing. “Anything less than that is unacceptable. The D.E.Q. is working to change this culture and ensure mistakes that endanger our residents don’t occur again.”"

Mitch Smith reports for the New York Times February 5, 2016.