Snyders reflect on their controversial reign in Roseland

by Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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Former Roseland Town Council members David and Dorothy Snyder

Former Roseland Town Council members David and Dorothy Snyder sat down with WSBT News to talk about their controversial time in office. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

They've battled the citizens of Roseland and been the controversial subject of a small town with big political problems.

For nearly three years, people have accused David and Dorothy Snyder of unfairly controlling their community. Today, the Snyders are out office, but not of town.

And they recently sat down with WSBT's Dustin Grove to talk about some of their most controversial decisions, the allegations people have made against them, and what's next.

"There were all these lies out there that there was money being made, that was all underhanded, 'They're crooks, they're crooks, we gotta get rid of them!'” Dorothy told WSBT News.

Dorothy claims much of the complaints against her and her husband David that made big headlines for nearly three years came from a small group of people.

"I mean they had a desire to not want us in office before we got married, before we were elected,” she said.

But could they see where people would view a married couple on a three-member council as potentially a conflict of interest?

"If you go back and look at our votes, granted we voted together most of the time, but I'd say 30 percent of the time she voted with Charley against me, which was at times, very frustrating!” laughed David.

But how do they respond to the fact that people have called them crazy over the years?

"I think you have to look at the source that it’s coming from,” said David.

"I think the crazy part was that they thought if we were intimidated, they thought if we were legally attacked, that we would quit,” Dorothy added. “Once they said that we were crooked, once they said that we were doing all these things for personal gain, etc. etc. you couldn't quit because for the rest of your life you would be the people that, 'Oh yeah, you must've done that because quit, you ran away, it must have been true.’”

The Snyders insist none of it was true and say they're proud of what they accomplished because they stayed, despite the controversy.

"There's a redevelopment commission set up, code was done, town was cleaned up,” David said.

But today, money in Roseland is tight. The town has paid thousands of dollars in legal fees — defending itself from a list of citizen lawsuits while the Snyders were in office. The lawsuits involved alleged civil rights violations and town code violations many say didn't make sense, like violations for having “In God We Trust” or “Support the Troops” signs without first getting a permit.

"They knew they couldn't do it,” David explained. “There was a way to do it and the way to do it was simple — you go in and you get a permit and it doesn't cost anything.”

“It was civil disobedience,” Dorothy said.

Both sides reached a settlement in 2006.

David says he takes no responsibility for the town’s financial problems, and Dorothy says they had no choice but to respond when they were sued. But critics still strongly disagree, saying the citations never needed to be issued in the first place.

Just this month, a review panel for Indiana's Real Estate Commission ruled preliminarily in favor of David Snyder regarding a complaint about his brokering a hotel deal while on the town council. They ruled it wasn’t a conflict of interest.

But he still faces legal trouble on another front. He's been in and out of jail three times in the last year for failing to meet monthly child support obligations for his two sons in Texas. The Snyders would not talk about David's child support case because they said it's still ongoing.

But you’ll soon be able to read about it all — they're writing a book.

Saturday, May 24 at 7:46 PM Truth wrote ...

Lies, Lies and More Lies The Snyders wouldn't know the truth if it walked up and slapped it in the face!! I find it curious that a judge over and over disagrees with the Snyder viewpoint and keeps throwing him in jail. I doubt that would be happening if he didn't continue to break the law by not supporting his children.

Saturday, May 24 at 7:36 AM Informed wrote ...

Snyder does not owe any child support, he is paid up through June 2008, and is owed a refund of $25,000 and attorney fees by the court for the unlawful arrest of last month by an overzealous prosecutor Dvorak. His sons, one 20 yrs old next month and the other 18 yrs old graduate from high school this week and are emancipated as adults according to Texas law. His son with the disability has been receiving SSI for almost two years as an adult, so his care and medical bills are paid by SSI.

Friday, May 23 at 4:39 PM Jose Goldberg wrote ...

Thank goodness they didn't have any children together.

Friday, May 23 at 3:35 PM Snickers wrote ...

Of course their sticking together! Neither will let go of the donut!

Friday, May 23 at 12:24 PM JIMBO wrote ...

YOU DO HAVE TO GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR STICKING WITH EACH OTHER!

Friday, May 23 at 11:30 AM South Bend wrote ...

What possible issue does her weight have with any of this. You jerks who cut her down for her weight are very ugly people. Now she can do something about her weight but you can't do anything about your ugliness. Do the city a favor and disappear.

Friday, May 23 at 9:45 AM Snickers wrote ...

Maybe they could have a dunk tank at the town yard sale with each of them taking turns sitting in the hot seat.

Friday, May 23 at 9:42 AM Laughable wrote ...

Wow, they're writing a book huh? I can't imagine they'll make any kind of profit on it - but if they do I bet none of the money will go toward supporting his kids. He's nothing better than a deadbeat, and she's just as bad for supporting him. They deserve each other. But his kids do NOT deserve him for a father. I bet the only reason they agreed to do this interview was for FREE PUBLICITY for their "book". What a joke.

Friday, May 23 at 7:21 AM A little D and D wrote ...

Here's "Dumb and Dumber"

Thursday, May 22 at 10:18 PM laughing hysterically wrote ...

I had a real $%#@@$ day at work. I stumbled upon this story and read all of the comments. Tears are running down my face and I can't stop laughing.Needless to say, the Snyders aren't well liked(deservably so.)

Thursday, May 22 at 9:35 PM Who's keeping score? wrote ...

Here's a "flip side" for ya if you really want someone to attack...the current council does'nt seem to take financial responsibility" either.There were numerous citations that did'nt "need to be wrote" by this current council as well,which also landed several lawuits.But you won't hear about any of that from this Rosey,reputable,and untouchable "New" council.You have been duped by the finest if you believe everything you ever read about the Snyders.Good story Dustin! You reported, THEY decided.

Thursday, May 22 at 9:19 PM dave wrote ...

hey dorthy how bout a rubber bisquit

Thursday, May 22 at 8:22 PM Anon... wrote ...

Why doesn't that woman do something with her hair, put on some make-up, and wear clothes that fit? Looks like she just crawled out of bed and threw on something from her closet that she bought 60 pounds ago!

Thursday, May 22 at 8:02 PM Casually watching the Snyders wrote ...

Hey, do you remember when Channel 16 did this same story six months ago?

Thursday, May 22 at 7:38 PM Bob E. - Mishawaka wrote ...

Why does the local news media keep giving these people a forum. I would like for someone to explain to me what here is newsworthy. They are no longer public figures. Just let them die the slow lingering death that they both deserve. He is a criminal and not worthy of a minute of news time. He is a "dead beat" dad that should be sitting in jail, not in front of a news camera spewing more of his propaganda. The fact is they both disgraced the offices they held along with the people of Roseland.

Thursday, May 22 at 6:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

To the VETERANS that are posting on this site, just remember that this is the same two fools who would not allow persons in the town to have support the troops signs or god bless America signs to be in someone's front yard without a permit. Great story not, how can this be called investigative reporting. Not one follow-up question was asked to why they don't feel a responsibility for the lack of money in the bank. Hell there was no money their in 2007 according to them. Way to go WSBT

Thursday, May 22 at 6:41 PM Snickers wrote ...

David needs to stop feeding Dorothy so well. That coat she's wearing used to be a 4 button but the 4th popped loose.

Thursday, May 22 at 6:34 PM Anonymous wrote ...

old news, next please. report on something interesting for a change---like oh say... talk to some of the soldiers who just returned home.

Thursday, May 22 at 5:55 PM annette wrote ...

I am shocked that so many people are attacking "22" for giving the flip side. How can you ask "Why bring this up?" They are just reporting on a story that won't go away. The town of Roseland has given these two people a public forum. You cannot blame a media outlet for trying to remain unbiased. If they aren't...then God help us all. MORONS

Thursday, May 22 at 4:55 PM to I like the Snyders wrote ...

Dorothy would ya stop writing on the website like your someone else. We all know that it really is your acting like you have a friend and writing on the website. Come on. You Snyder's are such tools! Ha

Thursday, May 22 at 4:53 PM Nuff Said wrote ...

Dorothy and Dave You sure are so brave To be in the news With your little IQs!!

Thursday, May 22 at 4:05 PM Bill wrote ...

AS per usual the Sniders blame everyone else but themselves for everything that has happened to them.If they had Roseland in there lawful thoughts they wouldnot have pulled some of things they did.Plus i thought apublic servent was to care for any personell responsibilities ordered by the court,like child support.They are leaches as They too advantage of the two of them controlled the board and finances. Wise up they are news hounds,who cannot stand not seeing and keeping ther names in the news

Thursday, May 22 at 3:47 PM Joe wrote ...

I think that if these two do write a book; I don't know why anyone would buy it but if they make any profit it should go to his children. How can a public figure be a deadbeat; I feel sorry for his children. Be a real man; pay for the children you helped bring into this world; that should be the most important thing in your life!!!!

Thursday, May 22 at 3:13 PM Sean wrote ...

For the record, vampires can't reflect. Another myth dispelled!

Thursday, May 22 at 2:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...

bet ya a million bucks i like the snyders is one of them or a relative. they'v bankrupted the town because they told people they had to have a permit to display a yard sign??? I CERTAINLY HOPE THEY OBTAINED A PERMIT to display their 'garage sale' sign. It's a stupid rule, they went after people who fought back. That action alone has bankrupt the town. they did nothing for the town other put into a financial hangman's noose. thanks.

Thursday, May 22 at 2:23 PM Frosty wrote ...

"Lifestyles of the sick and Demented" Tune in next week for more on Roseland's couple of the century...And now they are writing a book? Somehow I never suspected them to be literate let alone literary! Perhaps they could call the book "Mein Kaumpf in a small town" These two are beyond hope, and beyond help...YIKES!!!

Thursday, May 22 at 1:31 PM Hey you dorks.... wrote ...

Stop complaining about WSBT for doing this story. YOu all love it, you have time to write about it on here. These stories sell and WSBT is in the business to keep you people entertained! The Snyders are popular because people like you make them popular!

Thursday, May 22 at 1:23 PM Henry wrote ...

Dorothy - your coat looks like it's 10 sizes too small!

Thursday, May 22 at 1:23 PM I LIKE THE SNYDERS wrote ...

The Snyders have been more than helpful to the town of Roseland and everyone knows it. They have been wrongly attacked and dragged thru the mud for NO reason. I for one am looking forward to the book and hope it will shed some light into the lives of these wonderful people. I say pure jelously is the reason they are so hated. It is no ones buisness about his kids, please just leave them alone and let them have the sale, it's not hurting anyone. maybe he needs the money for his kids, come on!!!!!

Thursday, May 22 at 12:51 PM John T. wrote ...

Slobs! Dead Beat parents!! His rear end should still be sitting in jail for the back support owed. Some at the APP news should look at the time wasted on these two.

Thursday, May 22 at 12:42 PM Who Cares????? wrote ...

How disappointing WSBT even gives these people the time of day! Who cares?? There are so many good stories in the area to report on. I for one am very disappointed in this reporter and news station for even giving these people the time of day.

Thursday, May 22 at 12:34 PM Brian wrote ...

Who are the Snyders? I've never heard of them. But I will tell you that guy looks like a tool box and his wife looks like a weeble.

Thursday, May 22 at 12:25 PM Loyal Viewer wrote ...

Why waste valuable news time on a couple who have only acted in the manner that they have to get the public to notice two very unsuccessful people, let it go their lives are not anything we the viewers need to know or want to know they are nobodies that need to go away

Thursday, May 22 at 11:51 AM no interest wrote ...

I didn't watch the story last night, I was in bed, and I won't watch it today...waste of my good time

Thursday, May 22 at 11:49 AM Anon wrote ...

Having a slow news days or something? Where did you ever get the idea we give a hoot about these two?! Why not do a news story about local soldiers serving in Iraq, my son-in-law being one of them on his second deployment. It IS Memorial Day weekend, remember?

Thursday, May 22 at 11:45 AM vet wrote ...

A veteran who does not care about the Snyders, well said!!! Amen.

Thursday, May 22 at 11:36 AM Carolyn wrote ...

Why would you give these morons air time let alone waste your precious time on this kind of trash. The world is big enough and we have far better things to discuss these ppl.

Thursday, May 22 at 11:34 AM SB Resident wrote ...

Why do we keep giving them air time? Perhaps if nobody paid them any attention and they would move to some other community to harrass. They are the most sorry examples of human beings I have ever seen. Thank goodness they never had children of their own!

Thursday, May 22 at 11:22 AM Thinking of Others wrote ...

Gee, the man is out of jail..how are his children? It is time for the two of them to move out of the state. He can't finicial take care of his kids..She must be eating all the money...

Thursday, May 22 at 11:13 AM Colleen wrote ...

I can't believe you wasted time on these loosers. Look for important topics, or atleast ones of interest to report on. What did you expect for answers out of them? They have been liars from day one, nothing has changed or ever will with them. Did you get that permit yet for your festival and yard sale David? Since you know the laws so well maybe you should abide by them. That's probably just ANOTHER ordiance you changed like all the others for your behalf or Patels! Your "moles" are surfacing.

Thursday, May 22 at 11:07 AM drmike wrote ...

the synders arent worth time of the news. they just need to leave go somewhere else!

Thursday, May 22 at 11:04 AM Anonymous wrote ...

first wndu, now wsbt. they're writing a book? are they going to sell the rights to help PAYBACK some of Roselands debts because of their antics? Ignore. Ignore. Ignore. Can someone at WSBT justify doing this interview?

Thursday, May 22 at 10:54 AM op wrote ...

somebody in that picture needs a makeover REALLY BAD!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 22 at 10:26 AM Mel wrote ...

I whole heartly agree. Roseland has been the laughing stock of the state of Indiana ever since these two nut jobs were elected. I wouldn't give them any more air time, unless they are hauling David off to jail for failing to pay his child support.

Thursday, May 22 at 10:25 AM A veteran who does not care about the Snyders wrote ...

It's memorial day weekend, and the men and women who sacrified their lives for our freedom deserve our attention, praise, and honor. The Snyders are yesterdays news, and the town has moved on. Let's honor the veterans this weekend, and move on. Everyone have a great weekend, honor the veterans who sacrificed their lives for us, and enjoy the day. God bless America.

Thursday, May 22 at 10:08 AM candidates for... wrote ...

the Jerry Springer show...yep, that's where I'd put them....

Thursday, May 22 at 10:04 AM Ray wrote ...

I thought David was still in Jail, when did he get out??

Thursday, May 22 at 9:52 AM give it up!! wrote ...

Please don't give these people what they are looking for....A.T.T.E.N.T.I.O.N.!!! They feed off of it...it's time to put them on a DIET!!!

Thursday, May 22 at 9:36 AM Donna wrote ...

I think that it would be great if they would do a story on some of our men and women that are serving our country in Iraq right now!! I am a proud Mom of a son that is currently in Iraq and there are thousand of men and women that risk their lives everyday for our freedom. I think it would be wonderful to show them that they are not forgotten!

Thursday, May 22 at 9:06 AM Marley wrote ...

I agree 8:15 AM South Bend, with all of the companies that laid off people and I'm sure more to follow I would think there would be stories on those subjects. Then with all the mortgage scams in this area, not to mention all the foreclosures that are happening.

Thursday, May 22 at 8:15 AM South Bend wrote ...

Enough already WSBT! If this is the type of "NEWS" your going to do, then you've lost a viewer. You should focus on REAL NEWS stories like....local gas prices, mortgage issues, abandoned homes, deadbeat parents (oh wait....David is one of those!) or local job losses. There are more than enough local issues that you could be devoting your time to as REAL news stories that people are INTERESTED in. The snyders and their lust for any type of attention (good or bad) was in POOR taste!

Thursday, May 22 at 8:13 AM T Gaskill wrote ...

Looks like they accomplished exactly what they wanted. A plug for their book.

Thursday, May 22 at 7:32 AM ConcernNews wrote ...

Why is WSBT bringing this up?? Is this what you cal NEWS?? What not interview homeless folkes (Just Because or GAS Station Price Gouging ??

Thursday, May 22 at 7:19 AM Who Cares about all the Drama! wrote ...

Drama, Drama, Drama This is worse then late night Soap Opera or your day time soap opera. Why dont you just give them a academy award. We dont want to know or who cares any more and if any one whould by the book there writing is still just playing in there game.

Thursday, May 22 at 7:13 AM derald wrote ...

who cares they out of power of roseland.the state police should be called in to take them away.they are the jokers of the town but what they did is not funny.

Thursday, May 22 at 7:01 AM L wrote ...

Quit giving them public appeal. That is all they are after. This is not news. These people are the local morons and we keep giving them attention.

Thursday, May 22 at 6:39 AM For a more beautiful Michiana! wrote ...

You see!? This is why we have lids on garbage cans! To keep (news)hounds from coming around and digging it up after it's gone! SBT! PUT A LID ON IT ALREADY! We don't want to see this garbage EVER again!

Thursday, May 22 at 5:53 AM mike wrote ...

stop giving these people attention! they feed off of it.

Wednesday, May 21 at 11:47 PM EdselBF wrote ...

Why is this news? They have been out of office for months...and WNDU did the story in January!

Wednesday, May 21 at 11:42 PM annette wrote ...

I really never followed the whole Roseland controversy but...I will say that attacking "22" for giving them the opportunity to speak out and try and tell their side is small minded. I applaud "22" for telling the flip side to something that has been so public.

Wednesday, May 21 at 11:29 PM embarassedbythem wrote ...

GO AWAY!

Wednesday, May 21 at 11:22 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Who cares, Why would you waste air time on these people? Are you that hard up for a story?!?!?! How sad!

Wednesday, May 21 at 11:18 PM Greg wrote ...

Who cares???

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