FLINT, Mich. – Flint City Councilman Eric Mays, a firebrand politician who grabbed headlines with his combative style and passionate advocacy during the Flint water crisis, passed away Saturday at the age of 65. The City of Flint confirmed his death, stating that the flag at City Hall will be lowered to half-staff to honor his memory, a sentiment echoing the sense of loss in the community.
Known for his relentless pursuit to vocally represent the people of Flint's First Ward, Mays was remembered as a figure who never hesitated to speak, sometimes too fervently. According to The Detroit News, his fervor was not without consequences – his disruptive conduct at city council meetings led to multiple clashes with colleagues and, in some instances, disorderly conduct convictions.
Despite this, Mays was a stalwart figure for many, fiercely advocating for the citizens he represented. "Councilman Mays loved serving Flint on the City Council, and his constituents continuously re-elected him because of his bold and unwavering voice," U.S. Rep Dan Kildee fondly remembered in a Facebook post as noted by Hindustan Times.
Colleagues and former adversaries alike were quick to publicly express their condolences. Karen Weaver, the city’s former mayor, characterized Mays as "controversial" but also "unapologetic," someone who wasn't afraid "to speak up and speak out," according to an interview with WNEM. Mayor Sheldon Neeley also called his passing "a tremendous loss for our community and a shock to all friends and family."
At the time of his death, Mays was serving under a controversial 90-day suspension from the council for "conduct unbecoming a council member." He consistently denounced this as "unjust" and continued to battle, until his death, for the rights he believed he and his constituents were being denied. Reflecting his contentious political career, this suspension exemplified the challenges Mays faced and fought against in his commitment to public service.
Mays' legacy will most certainly be marked by the passion with which he served and the confrontations that often highlighted his tenure. Flint City Council President Ladel Lewis said Mays' "unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community has left an indelible mark," as reported by the Hindustan Times. Lento Law Group, which represented Mays in legal battles, vowed in a statement to continue to fight in his name, ensuring that his voice for Flint will resonate even after his death.
