NEWS BLOG (WSAU) If you heard Friday’s WSAU Feedback program, you heard a truly classless remark from Graeme Zielinski, Communications Director of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. He was in a heated political debate with WSAU’s Pat Snyder, similar to what you’d hear on CNN’s Crossfire. Voices were raised. Passions were high. Then Zielinski said “we’ll meet you at the strip club.”

That’s an underhanded reference to Pat’s motorcycle accident seven years ago. While coming home after a night of drinking at a topless club, Pat crashed his motorcycle into a pole. It was a horrific accident. Pat spent a long time in the hospital. The case went through the court system. Pat's name was splashed across the newspapers. The incident brought a tremendous amount of negative publicity to the radio station, to Pat, and to Pat’s family.

Pat has also said that there was some good that came out of a bad situation. Pat no longer drinks. Pat’s faith is stronger than ever, and so are his ties to his family. Pat has talked, on-air and off, about hitting bottom and being a different person now. He is a changed man since then. And people who know him before and after know that to be true.

Zielinski’s comment was tactless… especially from a guest who was voluntarily offered airtime on our radio station. He should apologize, but I am not holding my breath.

Chris Conley
Operations Manager, Midwest Communications-Wausau
10.13.10

You can hear the interview here: http://www.wsau.com/podcasts/feedback/open-forum-friday-feedback-061110/