Duggan Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Water Shutoffs, Responds to Skeptical Activists

Activists have called Duggan’s announcement a “political ploy.” He tells Stephen Henderson he’s pushing forward.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced last week that the city will extend its moratorium on water shutoffs for another two years, with the intention of stopping the controversial policy “once and for all” for low-income Detroiters. 

“We did what we thought was responsible, we did it with the governor’s support, and we hope (water rights activists) will continue to participate.”- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

Last week, Stephen Henderson heard from two water activists who question Duggan’s commitment to ending shutoffs. Duggan joins Henderson to address those criticisms and talk about his bid for a third term as mayor.


Listen: Mayor Duggan discusses water shutoffs, reelection bid, and more.


Guest

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan acknowledges the city did not embrace the idea of a shutoff moratorium until the pandemic hit earlier this year. But he says his administration has taken the shutoffs issue seriously for years.

“We put millions of dollars into an assistance fund,” says Duggan. “We’ve gone into hundreds of houses… fixed the pipes, got the bills down.”

“We did what we thought was responsible, we did it with the governor’s support, and we hope (water rights activists) will continue to participate.”

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date

WDET is here to keep you informed on essential information, news and resources related to COVID-19.

This is a stressful, insecure time for many. So it’s more important than ever for you, our listeners and readers, who are able to donate to keep supporting WDET’s mission. Please make a gift today.

Donate today »

Author

  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.