Eric Mays, an outspoken Flint City Councilman, died.

Yasir AliFebruary 25, 2024

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Eric Mays, an outspoken Flint City Councilman, died.

FLINT, MI The city of Flint is in mourning following the death on Saturday of Councilman Eric Mays, a vocal advocate. The city declared Mays dead on Saturday night. Following an illness, natural causes were given credit for the 65-year-old’s death. Sheldon Neeley, the mayor of Flint, stated that Mays’s First Ward constituents cherished his “bold and courageous service”. Mays’ “strong presence” at City Hall will be missed, according to Neeley.

“This is a tremendous loss for our community and a shock to all friends and family,” Neeley stated. “We ask for that community members admire Councilman Mays’ privacy and give them time and space to grieve as our community mourns during this trying time on behalf of his family. We are still sending our prayers up to the family.”

The new president of the Flint City Council is Eric Mays.

Neeley gave the order for Flint City Hall to fly flags at half-staff starting on Monday in Mays’ honor. Mays served as the Flint City Council’s First Ward representative for more than a decade. Being a pillar of support for his constituents, he frequently garnered the most votes that are of all his council colleagues.

He was first chosen to represent the northwest side of the city in November 2013 after Anita Brown was defeated. In November 2021, voters in the First Ward chose Mays to serve another term on the council.

In 2018, he chaired the influential Finance Committee and presided over the council for a portion of 2021. In 2022, Mays challenged current Flint Mayor Neeley and former Mayor Karen Weaver in an unsuccessful mayoral campaign.

“Flint City Council the president Ladel Lewis said that Councilman Mays had been not only a devoted public servant but additionally an unwavering advocate for the people of Flint. “His unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community has left an indelible mark, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Flint experienced the water crisis during Mays’s time on the council, and the city was able to reclaim its autonomy after being placed under state emergency management. He was one of the most outspoken advocates for his constituents’ right to justice.

Mays passed away while serving a three-month council suspension. However, his legal representative was preparing a formal objection to the council’s authority to forbid him from participating in meetings. Mays’s funeral plans were not made public on Saturday night.