My City July 2022

MYHISTORY

The Mayors of Flint PART 7: SCANDAL AND RECALL

BY PETER HINTERMAN

From 1912 to 1928, Flint became known as one of the centers of manufacturing and commerce in the nation. “Business” was the name of the game and new ventures popped up daily – some that still operate today. Im migrants and wandering workers ooded the city bringing with them new ideas, work ethics and politics. e mayors of the time period had much to oversee and overcome including legal, social and political challenges. e start of Prohibition in 1920 o‚ered its own temptations that at least one mayor couldn’t resist. It was a time of great noise and great challenge. Were the mayors up to the task? is series has tracked each of the city’s mayor’s throughout history, providing a short account of their professions, lives and decisions during their terms (if known). Some were men/women of great deeds or of great controversy; some simply acted as placeholders in time. Each of them, however, chaired a city important to its country and its citizens on its path through triumph and heartbreak, and toward its revitalization. For part 1 in this series, see the 2022 January issue of MCM!

Hanna / stock.adobe.com

58

MYCITYMAG.COM