Eric Bradford Mays was an American autoworker and politician who served on the Flint City Council from November 2013 until his death. He represented northwest Flint as a councilor from the city’s first ward and became well-known for his contentious behavior, which frequently resulted in suspensions and removal from council meetings.
He was also known on social media for his popular catchphrase, “Point of Order!” In this article, we will go deeper into Eric Mays’s net worth, covering his age, career, wife, cause of death, and many more.
Eric Mays Net Worth 2024
Eric Mays was more than just a politician. He was a multifaceted entrepreneur with ventures in real estate, technology, media, and other fields. His keen business acumen and strategic investments resulted in extraordinary success, with an estimated net worth of $100 million at his death in February 2024.
Who is Eric Mays?
Eric Mays, an American public figure, spent many years serving as a councilman in Flint City. He was born on September 16, 1958, and sadly died at the age of 65. He graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1976 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
His professional journey led him to General Motors, where he held various positions and made significant contributions, particularly to local unions affiliated with the United Auto Workers. His involvement in politics and industry showed his dedication to serving his community and advocating for worker rights.
Eric Mays Cause of Death
Mays passed away from natural causes at his home in Flint on February 24, 2024. He was 65 years old. The City of Flint praised his dedicated service and popularity among his constituents in the First Ward. The city hall flag was lowered to half-mast starting February 26. Mayor Sheldon Neeley mourned his loss, calling it a shock to the community and Mays’ loved ones.
Eric Mays Career
In 1981, Eric Mays began attending city council meetings as an NAACP representative. He got in trouble in 1987 after threatening someone with a gun. He pleaded guilty and received probation, which prevented him from attending law school.
Eric Mays attended a tax-related meeting in July of 2012. He talked longer than allowed and got into trouble with the cops. He went to trial in September, representing himself, and was convicted in February 2013, and he had to pay a fine in March. After three attempts, he was elected to the Flint City Council in November 2013, winning by a slim margin.
2013 Arrest
Eric Mays ran into legal trouble in November of 2013. He was arrested for drunk driving, possession of marijuana, refusal to cooperate with police, lack of insurance, and failure to report an accident. According to officials, he crashed his car, drove it with damaged tyres, and was discovered late at night attempting to repair them.
Eric Mays was cleared of some charges in June 2014 but was still scheduled to stand trial. He requested a new trial, claiming unfair treatment, and received it. During the retrial in November 2015, he represented himself. His ‘ question about jurors’ beliefs sparked controversy during jury selection. He also fought against admitting breathalyzer test results as evidence but eventually conceded. He was convicted in November 2015 and served time in prison.
Darnell Earley, the city’s Emergency Manager, used Mays’ arrest to push for his resignation. When Mays resisted, Earley limited his authority with an executive order.
Flint Water Crisis, 2015 Committee Removal, and Mayoral Campaign
During the Flint water crisis 2015, Eric Mays advocated for improved water quality. He was among the first officials to express concerns about Flint’s water. Residents frequently saw him as their primary advocate on this issue. His crisis began in 2014 when the city switched its water source to the Flint River. People soon complained about the water’s color, flavor, and odor. Mays questioned city officials about the water’s safety, but they said everything was fine.
Darnell Earley, the Emergency Manager at the time, resigned in January 2015 due to widespread public outcry. Eric Mays criticized Earley’s leadership style. He attempted to draw attention to the issue by inviting the director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to speak at a council meeting.
He was removed from a finance committee meeting in July 2015 and later charged with disorderly conduct. Despite these challenges, he ran for mayor in 2015 but was defeated in the primaries. Karen Weaver won the mayoral election and became Flint’s first female mayor.
2015 Arrest
In 2015, Eric Mays faced arrest after a heated incident at a finance committee meeting on July 8. Despite not being a committee member, he voiced his concerns about city prosecution and veered off-topic. Councilwoman Monica Galloway warned him about disorderly conduct, leading to his removal by the police. He was later found guilty of disorderly conduct on February 1, 2016, initially facing jail time but ultimately agreeing to a $200 fine due to the city’s water crisis.
Laptop Pawning
In another May 23, 2017 incident, Mays admitted to pawning a city-issued laptop for $100. This action led to a criminal complaint by Councilman Kincaid, citing the misuse of taxpayer-funded equipment. Mays defended himself, citing concerns about the laptop’s safety at City Hall due to past break-ins.
Ultimately, he pled no contest to “wilful neglect of duty” on August 26, 2017, agreeing to pay a fine of $300 and serve a week on a sheriff’s work detail, with sentencing delayed until after the November 7 city council election, in which he was a candidate.
2019-2023
Between 2019 and 2021, there were several notable incidents involving Mays. In January 2019, he was removed as finance chair. On January 21, 2020, during a council meeting, he made controversial remarks and gave a Nazi salute, which resulted in his removal from leadership roles. In March 2020, he was disciplined for disruptive behavior. Later, in September 2021, he was removed from a virtual meeting, sparking additional controversy.
In November 2021, he was elected President of the Flint City Council. However, his tenure was marred by ongoing controversy, including a March 2022 censure for misconduct during a meeting. This resulted in a lawsuit, a temporary injunction, and his suspension.
Eric Mays was arrested during a council meeting in April 2022 after breaking the rules and refusing to leave. This resulted in his removal as President of the City Council. He was later found guilty of disorderly conduct and sentenced to probation with a fine. In June 2023, he faced a recall proposal amid ongoing legal battles and controversies.
Eric Mays also attempted to run for mayor in 2022 but failed. In July 2023, the city council suspended him again for inappropriate behavior during a meeting. Legal action ensued, but his suspension remained in effect.
Eric Mays’s Wife & Kids
Eric Mays comes from a loving and supportive family. His wife, Megan Ritchie, is a loyal partner and a successful businesswoman who runs an online store. Together, they have three wonderful children: Eric Jr., Maya, and Miles.
Despite Eric’s political career demands and difficulties, Megan remains by his side, offering encouragement and strength. Their shared experiences and love for one another demonstrate their strong family bond.
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