Political sign vandalized in West Bend, WI – Police look for suspect

June 11, 2026 – West Bend, Wi – West Bend Police responded Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to a vandalism complaint in the 1100 block of N. Silverbrook Drive. Police Lt. Brian McAndrews confirmed the vandalism and said, “The damage occurred sometime over the weekend and we have received no other reports of similar graffiti or criminal damage.”

The note below is from property owner Kraig Sadownikow.

I am disappointed but not surprised our property was violated for a second, premeditated, time. About two months ago, I chose to stay quiet when the sign was speared, tearing a hole in it.

There seems to be a focus from the left to equate their hatred of President Trump to hatred of their neighbors who may support President Trump’s policies.  This is a serious issue across the United States and reflects a critical flaw in the Left’s current philosophy, contributing to further division rather promoting adult conversations.

I don’t hide my political beliefs. I am a proud conservative who believes the following principles offer the best opportunity for all Americans to achieve their own definition of success.  Personal responsibility, strong work ethic, protection of family, freedom of speech and personal property rights are the cornerstones of conservative values, and the values of my family.  (FYI to any current or future criminals, neither trespassing nor vandalism are protected first amendment rights.)

This lazy, illegal, and aggressive action taken against my home really flies in the face of the ‘make love not war’ party.  It is really unfortunate to see the foundation of the left crumble in real time.

I, too, have often been frustrated with local, state and federal governments.  So have many of the people in our community.

For example, back in the 2010-2014 timeframe, on the heels of the Governor Walker recall and the Obama Presidency, I and many of our neighbors felt silenced, unheard, and feared the direction of our community and country.  Rather than resorting to violence and destroying property, we felt the responsibility to address our frustrations head-on.

We ran for office  to learn, understand and make change.  Every level of government in Washington County was impacted by this vital call to service.  I witnessed first hand how dedication to hard work and willingness to consider new ideas, resulted in productive change positively affecting everyone in the community, regardless of political affiliation.  That’s the American Way.

In contrast, spray-painting a 4-letter word on a private sign should be beneath anyone serious about trying to communicate how their point of view may differ from that of my family’s.

I plan to replace our sign in the coming weeks, celebrating Tom Tiffany’s run for Governor.  Until then, it will stand as-is, to show our community what happens when individuals run out of ideas and resort to violence rather than engaging in productive debate.  C’mon West Bend, we are better than this.

Kraig Sadownikow

West Bend, WI