02/25/2024
https://www.abc12.com/video/outspoken-flint-city-councilman-eric-mays-dies/video_52cac3f3-7cee-5c6b-8106-74997e14bbce.html
In the choir that spoke for voiceless, his baritone will be missed. He was an exemplar of the power of knowledge and the strength of critical thinking. Outrageously courageous in his will to shake the status quo and disrupt business as usual. He was a councilman willing to go into the streets and visit residents. He always answered his phone when I called to get help with down power lines, broken street lights, or malfeasance by landbank. I may not have always liked his responses but he was there to respond to neglected and hushed voices on the north side. He is truly a city father literally risking his freedom, his money, and political comradery to make sure the unheard had a voice, that the improper was pointed out and that the people of Flint were heard. His willingness to stand against power and money is a testament to his faith in good. We take time to mourn and send prayers to his family but we know that those who stood against him but now praise him are making plans for a crony or yes man to slide in. The Honorable Eric Mays deserves a memorial and recognition. A street, a park, a school, a statue in recognition of not just his service but his style. Statesmen of his valor, sincerity, honest boldness are rare and should be glorified for others to follow... You may not have always agreed with him but his voice was one you wanted on your side when the powers that be tried something slick or tried to get things by the people. As next days of mourning, sincere and false praise come in. He would want us to be wary of those who seek to co-opt and usurp his efforts. His knowledge of the system and procedure, his god given voice deep thunderous articulate and carrying the support of his electorate, his sincere common sense and humor change the city of Flint and the loss will be felt in the challenges of the future. Praise and rest for our champion, our advocate, our father and son...The tone and volume of city council will be lessened without his baritone but also without his depth of thought and concern for his fellow citizens... His bass not only shook his naysayers but changed the landscape of Flint. Somewhere in the afterworld a choir just found its bass and foundation... Rest In Peace Eric Mays and long live truth, sincerity and service to the people.
Flint's First Ward is mourning the loss of their longtime City Councilman Eric Mays, who died on Saturday.