Flint, MI – Dr. Lewis, a Flint City Council member, is facing a fourth recall attempt in what she describes as a targeted effort to remove her from office. This latest attempt, like the previous ones, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the motivations behind these repeated actions.
A History of Recall Attempts
The ongoing recall efforts against Dr. Lewis have now reached a fourth attempt, with no signs of letting up. Michigan law allows for multiple recall attempts outside of an elected official’s first and last year in office, a fact that is seemingly being leveraged by those seeking her removal.
The previous recalls have stemmed from various allegations, including Dr. Lewis’s absence from a special city council meeting on the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and her vote to allocate $40 million in ARPA dollars to revenue replacement. However, Dr. Lewis asserts that these efforts are orchestrated by a specific group with a vested interest in her removal.
“All of the recalls are conspired by the same people,” she stated. “Is that something that you should recall someone for? Missing ONE meeting that violated the open meetings act? A colleague just missed two months and the ‘serial recallers’ said nothing.”
The Role of Outside Influences
Dr. Lewis expressed concern about the involvement of external parties in the recall efforts. According to her, these recall campaigns have attracted support and donations from individuals outside of Flint, including from Illinois and Texas. She believes this is part of a larger, organized effort to remove her from her position, despite her track record of service.
“It’s obvious that a group outside of the 2nd ward wants me removed,” Dr. Lewis explained. “They attempt to say I don’t do my job. My resume says differently. My work speaks for itself. Look at those that oppose me. Check their resumes and accomplishments in the city.
Furthermore, it is quite obvious that people are making money off of these recalls at this point. They are asking people for donations to support their recall efforts and bringing in outsiders from Illinois, Texas and so forth. For good or bad, people make money off of politics preying on the ill-informed.”
She also highlighted the involvement of a law firm that she claims has targeted her, costing the city thousands of dollars in what she describes as frivolous litigation. Dr. Lewis further mentioned that this law firm has produced derogatory merchandise featuring her image, which she believes is part of a broader effort to discredit her. I am withholding the name of this law firm for the time being so I can further investigate the connections they have to certain individuals in the community.
Dr. Lewis's Response to the Recalls
Despite the continuous recall attempts, Dr. Lewis remains committed to her role and to serving the residents of Flint’s 2nd ward. She has pointed to her achievements on the council, including her work on economic development, public safety, public housing, and the city’s first Community Benefits Agreement, which she co-sponsored.
“I will continue to serve the residents of the 2nd ward and make key decisions that will move the entire city in a positive direction. I’m proud to vote in favor of economic development, public safety, public housing and the city’s first Community Benefits agreement (I cosponsored). It’s a lot of good to be done in our city. And I’m here to make sure that it happens.”
In response to what she perceives as misinformation campaigns against her, Dr. Lewis has taken proactive steps to communicate directly with her constituents. She holds monthly ward meetings and has started both a podcast and a YouTube channel to provide accurate information and to highlight and support positive events in her ward.
Conclusion
As Flint faces ongoing challenges, the repeated recall attempts against Dr. Lewis add another layer of complexity to the city’s political landscape. While the motivations behind these efforts remain a topic of debate, Dr. Lewis continues to stand firm in her commitment to her constituents and her vision for Flint’s future.
Check back for further developments on this story at flintcitytimes.com
-Rob