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Oh come on, How Dumb do you think the People of Flint are?

Patsy Lou campaign aide gets city job

FLINT - Mayor Don Williamson has created a new, $45,000-a-year city job for the spokesman of his wife's recent failed state Senate campaign.

Larry Ford, who retired May 1 as president of the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce, was hired by the city on Aug. 20 to solve residents' problems with Flint's water and sewer services. He has no clear job title.

The mayor said the hiring was not a political favor.

"That's a ridiculous question," he said. "If you've noticed, we have a lot of problems with the sewers and people having complaints, and I thought it would be very nice to get to the bottom of the problem."

Critics attacked the hiring, which came 12 days after Patsy Lou Williamson finished second to John J. Gleason in the 27th District Democratic primary race.

"Let me say it: The mayor's taking care of his friend. That's all it is," said 9th Ward Councilman Scott Kincaid. "That's a nice campaign payback."

Ford, 69, said he was unsure how long he would stay in the post, calling it "kind of like a temporary position."

"People can think whatever they want. I can't control that," said Ford, a prominent community leader who led the chamber for 30 years. "I'm just surprised anybody is paying any attention to me. I was important when I was president. Now I'm 'Larry Who?'"

Ford has been looking for a job. He recently said he had approached Flint Township officials about getting a full-time job or becoming a consultant.

Ford's new city position consolidates work covered by different people, Williamson said.

The mayor said it's an attempt to improve customer service, one of his goals after being elected in November 2003.

"I think the qualifications for that job is how to be nice to people when they're having serious problems," Williamson said. "He's a gentleman, and he can represent the city."

Ford will try to resolve such problems as incorrect water bills, a responsibility traditionally handled by the city ombudsman.

He said his goal isn't to attribute blame.

"I'm about finding some middle ground," he said.

He should be busy.

The city's aging sewer system has been blamed for numerous backups that have damaged residents' homes. More than 200 people have sued the city in recent years, and separate juries this summer have awarded more than $2.5 million to 34 residents who sustained flood damage six years ago.

Dozens of cases are pending in Genesee County Circuit Court.

The job is the latest reincarnation for Ford, who also serves on the Flint Township Planning Commission.

"He's a problem-solver," said 8th Ward Councilman Ehren Gonzales. "He'll probably do a hell of a job."

Ford was criticized in 2003 for questionable travel expenses as a member of the Genesee County Intermediate School District Board.

He took 23 trips in five years, charging taxpayers almost $30,000 for such expenses as dinners at lavish restaurants, laundry service, mini-bar snacks, room service and tips.

Flint resident Alex Harris, a frequent mayoral critic, said he was disgusted by the hire.

"He's not providing a service for the city," Harris said. "It's a drain on taxpayers' pocketbooks."

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