RICHFIELD VILLAGE TRUSTEE FORUM TURNS OUT CROWD

CANDIDATE REID SNEDAKER RECEIVES HEARTY SUPPORT AT EAGLE FORUM EVENT

September 8, 2010

Richfield: Richfield Village Trustee Candidate Reid Snedaker was in the hot seat at the Richfield Elementary School Wednesday night sponsored by Eagle Forum of Wisconsin-Washington County Chapter.  Randy Melchert, political analyst and past Wisconsin State Assembly candidate, moderated the event.  During opening remarks, Snedaker described himself as a  “very staunch conservative, both fiscally and socially.”

With the recall election on this coming Tuesday, Snedaker took advantage of the opportunity and shared views with an audience of nearly 80. Topics included the controversial Neighborhood Activity Center, sewer and water services for Richfield, and the Farmland Preservation Program. Incumbent Trustee Rock Brandford was unable to attend, citing a conflict in his schedule.

Snedaker said it was a difficult decision to run for village trustee. “Those who know me” would understand his strong determination for less government interference in the village he calls home.  When asked when sewer and water should become part of the Village of Richfield infrastructure, Snedaker soundly stated “never,” and clarified that the village needs to remain a “country” entity.  “It’s important that we protect your personal property rights - that you can use your property, in general, as you see fit,” Snedaker said.

Commenting on the touchy issue of the Neighborhood Activity Center, Snedaker says that it will create a major traffic hazard, but “more importantly, it is out of character for the Village of Richfield - that does not fit.”

One attendee stated after the forum that her family had moved to Richfield from West Allis because of the country appeal, and that her family is opposed to changes that would bring in strip malls, gas stations and other businesses that would transform the village area into a city atmosphere.

"Forums are a great way for candidates to address important issues for their constituents," stated Ginny Maziarka, Eagle Forum of Wisconsin, Washington County president.  "We were grateful to have Randy Melchert attend as our moderator. The voters are hungry for information before the general election, and this is an excellent op portunity for candidates to share with voters why they should belong in office."

Video of the forum can be viewed below.