Burr Ridge Official Makes Ethnic Joke

BURR RIDGE, IL – A Burr Ridge trustee on Monday made what could be seen as an ethnic joke against people of Polish descent.

At a Village Board meeting, Trustee Joe Snyder was speaking during a debate over whether to allow a County Line Road resident to install a driveway gate. He said was confused over a particular aspect of an issue, adding, "Maybe I'm Polish."

In a statement Tuesday morning to Patch, Snyder said, "During a Board of Trustees meeting late last night, I made a poor decision and used insensitive language regarding my Polish heritage. My choice of words was inconsiderate and disrespectful to my fellow Poles, and I apologize for my thoughtless actions."

At the end of Monday's meeting, Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso said trustees may have disagreements about issues, but they are civil in their tone. He said they respect one another.

In an email to Patch on Tuesday, Grasso said, "I have known Joe Snyder since we had children at St John of the Cross grammar school. He has a heart as big as his persona. I am certain he was speaking innocently and trying to find a way to vote for a gate because of a challenged child."

A few years ago, the Village Board reprimanded then-Trustee Zach Mottl, alleging he slurred Grasso's Italian American heritage. Mottl denied he was targeting Italian Americans.

Over the last year, Snyder has missed most Village Board meetings. He once criticized a colleague for being away so often. His absence rate is even greater.