7 PR and crisis woes from Flint

There are “mini crises within the crisis” in Flint, Michigan.

For nearly a year, residents in the urban community have been consuming lead-contaminated water from the Flint River. Despite citizen’s complaints about murky and foul-smelling water—and scientific research conducted in part with a local hospital and whistleblower doctor—the situation has never been properly addressed. Until now.

On Tuesday evening, Gov. Rick Snyder acknowledged in his State of the State address that he failed in his responsibility to protect citizens.

Let’s dissect the various messages and consider whether leaders and their representatives have helped or hindered.

Snyder’s speech and role

1. Crisis: Broken trust and failed leadership.