Paul Egan

Detroit Free Press Lansing Bureau

LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder is to leave Saturday on a week-long European trade mission, sparking criticism that he should stay in Michigan until Flint's drinking water is again safe to drink.

And Snyder, who on Monday promised to drink filtered tap water at work and at home for the next 30 days won't be bringing his jugs of Flint water with him.

"He pledged to drink it at home and at the office for at least 30 days, total," spokeswoman Anna Heaton said. "Traveling with jugs of water overseas isn’t feasible, but he’ll resume drinking water from Flint upon his return."

Snyder will lead a Michigan trade delegation on visits to Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands, his office said in a news release Friday.

Random lead spikes in Flint water continue

Flint City Council President Kerry Nelson said Snyder, as governor, has the right to travel when and where he pleases, but "to me, you would take care of home first, and then you would go abroad.

"My grandparents always said you want to clean your own home first, before you do your neighbor's."

Heaton said Snyder's departure does not signify a lack of attention to Flint.

The governor "is committed to Flint’s recovery and the state’s efforts in the city will continue, providing clean water resources for all residents," Heaton said.

"Lt. Gov. (Brian) Calley already spends a great deal of time working in Flint and will be there next week," she said.

The Michigan State Police will continue overseeing emergency operations "while the governor is overseas working on attracting new jobs for Michigan, leading an investment mission to Europe, focusing on strengthening trade relationships and attracting job-creating business investments," Heaton said.



Snyder will first meet with German government and company leaders before traveling to Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands.



“Our efforts to improve Michigan’s business climate have now made our state a desirable location for new investment from companies around the world,” Snyder said in a news release. “When I meet with companies on our trade missions, they are impressed with the strength of the state’s economic comeback and the abundant talent the people of Michigan have. These investment missions have opened doors with business leaders in other countries, resulting in good jobs for Michigan residents now and for years to come.”



Michigan Economic Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood and other MEDC officials are joining the trip, as well as representatives from local economic development agencies including the Detroit Regional Chamber and Southwest Michigan First of Kalamazoo.

The trips are mostly paid for with revenues from Indian gaming, officials say.

Nelson said with the warm weather approaching, it's urgent that Flint's water problems related to lead contamination be resolved.

"Every day, families still have to stand in line to get water," Nelson said. "That is not normal," and "this should not be happening in the United States or anywhere else."

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4.

