Correspondence between

| totally agree with going so far as to specifically apologize. | also like Rich's suggestions. The statement should convey three main points: 1) very sorry with no excuses 2) open and transparent 3) urgency in action steps going forward. | think this statement accomplishes those goals. On Dec 24, 2015, at 9:53 AM, Baird, Richard (GOV) <hairdr@ be This is the best narrative | have seen that actually describes how we feel about the situation and our resolve to make things right. A few thoughts: We might think about a "lead in" to your second para in the statement. Something like "The bi-partisan task force has worked tirelessly to interview Flint, Genesee County, State and Federal officials and complete an independent fact based analysis. They have reviewed hundreds of documents at all levels of government and from the public health science community and continue to do so. Para 3 might unintentionally suggest that there are public health stakeholders who are not as serious as the governor. This may be an overreach, but may | suggest "When it comes to matters of health and quality of life, there is simply no room for error in testing for lead and other toxins. | understand there can be disagreements within the scientific community. That is why | have directed my Directors of MDEQ and DHHS to invite every external scientist who has worked on the Flint water issue to the state laboratory facilities to work as partners with us. Together, we should be able to affirm that every testing protocol and conclusion validates that Flint citizens will have safe drinking water, and that we are doing everything possible to ensure proper monitoring and remediation of blood levels and physical or neurological impacts over the long term. And | want the Flint community and all citizens of Michigan to know how very sorry | am that this has happened." Nick and Dan might not like the "invite" but | spoken with them both and they of course will support whatever the Boss decides. Thanks, Rich Sent from my iPad On Dec 24, 2015, at 7:41 AM, Holland, Meegan (GOV) <#