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Governor's office expected to ask higher court to overturn ruling ousting Flint's emergency manager

The governor’s office is expected to file an appeal with the Court of Appeals as early as today concerning a judge’s ruling that ousted Flint’s emergency manager.

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina also ordered the reinstatement of Flint’s mayor and city council.

The judge found the financial review panel that recommended the emergency manager’s appointment in Flint violated Michigan’s open meetings law.  

Lawrence Roehrig is the Secretary-Treasurer of Michigan Council 25 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees,  the city union that brought the lawsuit.   He welcomed the judge's decision.

“This is still our country," Roehrig said outside the Lansing courtroom on Tuesday, "And we still have the right to make democratic decisions, not have a darkened room determine what’s right and what’s wrong.’ 

Flint mayor Dayne Walling says “the judge's decision does not change the challenges facing Flint.”  

Perhaps the biggest challenge for Flint is its estimated $20 million deficit.  

A Snyder administration spokesman issued a statement saying in part: 

"Obviously, the City of Flint is in the midst of a financial crisis, one that (emergency manager) Mike Brown had taken a number of steps to address."   

The statement went on to say they are awaiting the judge's written order and will file an appeal with the Court of Appeals as soon as possible. 

Judge Aquilina's written decision is expected to be ready today or tomorrow.  

 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.