1. Is this a case of administrative evil in action? Why or why not?
I firmly believe that the case in questions involves administrative evil. According to Johnson (2018), evil is characterized by a great deal of destruction; given its pivotal role in inflicting pain, as well as suffering, depriving innocent individuals of their humanity, and creating despair, hopelessness, and associated feelings. In this case, the contaminated water resulting from the decision of state administrators to switch its supply source from Lake Huron to Flint River water. The former water is treated by the infamous Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), and it is healthy for consumption. Equally important, the case is evil in action since the governor failed to engage locals and other responsible stakeholders before making the major change. At the same time, death of Flint residents and children served as the administrative evil’s ultimate product.
2. Do you think that the residents of Flint were treated differently because they are poor and African American?
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Yes. I think that the socioeconomic status (SES), as well as race played a central role in determining the manner in which the state authorities treated them. In his recent book, Johnson (2018) describes this maltreatment as evil of exclusion. The governor in collaboration with his inner circle ignored calls to correct the situation at its earliest possible stage. I think that he took a political approach to the issue by seeing Flint residents as undeserving when it comes to receiving high quality services from his government, including safe and uncontaminated water.
3. How much blame should the governor accept for the crisis?
The governor is to blame for a variety of mistakes, having assumed a leading role in the manmade or statemade disaster. First, he must accept that it is under his leadership that the decision to change water source led to the life-threatening and fatal water crisis. Second, Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) failed to follow EPA regulations, which require the state to use the correct corrosion treatment. Third, he should accept blame for having taken a political stand by blaming residents. At the same time, he failed to resign even after realizing that his inaction caused and worsened the situation.
4. Should governors be able to appoint emergency managers who have the power to override the decisions of local elected officials?
I think that governors has the power to create and effective emergency management system by supplementing local leadership through the appointed of independent managers. However, the power of these emergency managers must never override any of the decisions made by the locally elected officials. Although the switch resulted from the state-appointed emergency manager’s move to cut costs, they failed to consult with local leaders, meaning that the decision did not consider residents’ interests.
5. What steps should the state and federal governments take to repair the damage done to Flint and its residents, including children?
Flint, as well as its residents suffered a wide range of health and physical damages, including death and complications. In response to these problems, the federal and state authorities should not only declare the contamination a national disaster but also increase the amount funds to address the emergency from the current limit of $5 million. Second, the governments should direct FEMA to take a leading role in coordinating responses and supervising the repairing of filter cartridges, pipes, and filters. Third, they should commence treatment of all children in Flint; given exposure to lead causes slow cognitive development and associated behaviour problems. Moreover, the governments should create an independent inquiry committee to assess the extent of damage with the sole purpose of compensating victims.
Reference
Johnson, C. (2018). Meeting the ethical challenges of leadership: Casting light or shadow . Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.
