Judge: Ex-governor must testify in Flint water civil trial
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and several other officials must testify in a civil trial involving engineering firms being sued over liability for lead-contaminated water connected to the Flint water crisis, a judge ruled Monday.
U.S. District Judge Judith Levy denied motions by Snyder, his former advisor, two former state-appointed emergency managers and an ex-Flint city official to quash subpoenas compelling them to testify.
Snyder, a Republican, faces misdemeanor charges in the water crisis. His attorney has said Snyder would invoke his right to remain silent if called as a witness in the ongoing civil trial in federal court in Ann Arbor.
The Associated Press left a voicemail Monday seeking comment from Snyder’s attorney, Brian Lennon.
Attorneys for four Flint children claim Veolia North America and Lockwood, Andrews & Newman were negligent in not doing more to get the city to properly treat water that was being pulled from the Flint River in 2014-15. Corrosive water caused lead to leach from service lines serving homes, a disastrous result in the majority Black community.
They were not part of a $626 million settlement between Flint residents and the state of Michigan, the city and two other parties.
Snyder and the other officials already have given detailed deposition testimony — on-the-record interviews — with lawyers in the lawsuit without appealing “to their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination,” Levy wrote in her opinion.
“Each ... voluntarily testified during the deposition phase of this case, and now wishes to invoke the privilege against self-incrimination on the same subject matter,” Levy continued. “They cannot do so.”
A hearing will be held to determine how the court will address specific arguments during the trial where their answers could expose them to risk of self-incrimination.
Bar Night Out event planned for April 7
The Oakland County Bar Association will host it second Bar Night Out event on Thursday, April 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mojave Cantina, 48 W. 14 Mile Road in Clawson.
This lively, activity-centered networking event is designed to help members form relationships through shared fun experiences.
The evening will feature a fun mixer intermingled with an opportunity to play a variety of games. Attendees can grab a few other guests and partake in a game of Jenga, Operation, Uno, Boggle, or Trouble, or simply just enjoy the food, drinks and company of fellow OCBA members.
There is no cost for OCBA members and non-members can attend for $15. To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”
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