‘Little Pink House’ film screenings to shine a light on threat of eminent domain for private gain

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2019

Contact: Danielle Endvick, 715-471-0398 or dendvick@wisconsinfarmersunion.com

CHIPPEWA FALLS – This spring, Farmers Union chapters across Wisconsin will host film screenings of the “Little Pink House” to raise awareness about the threat of eminent domain for private gain. The film is based on the true story of small-town paramedic Susette Kelo’s fight to save her blue-collar neighborhood from being bulldozed by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Kelo emerged as the reluctant leader of her neighbors in a battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court and inspired a nation.

“Government officials have long used eminent domain to build hospitals, schools, roads, and other facilities for public use, but what happened to Kelo and her neighborhood was different – and wrong,” said Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden. “Many Americans remain vulnerable and unaware of the threat of eminent domain for private gain.”

In policy set by its grassroots membership, WFU opposes the implementation and use of eminent domain when unrelated private entities become the beneficiaries of farmers' or private persons' assets and no direct benefit to the local public occurs. The family farm organization calls for fair and balanced eminent domain guidelines that protect the rights of individual property owners and promote the public good. WFU opposes allowing private businesses to condemn public land.

Viewing locations include:

• MEDFORD: April 4, 7-pm, Frances L Simek Memorial Library, 400 N Main St.

• WESTBY: April 4, 6:30pm, Westby Community Center, 206 N Main St.

• PARK FALLS: April 6, 11am–2pm, Park Falls Public Library, 121 4th Ave. N.

• DALLAS: April 11,  6–9pm, Valkyrie Brewing Co., 234 Dallas St.

• GREEN BAY: April 15, 5-8pm, NWTC Student Center Auditorium, 2740 W. Mason

• MENOMONIE: April 17, 6:30pm, Menomonie Public Library, 600 Wolske Bay Rd.

• MONROE: May 19, 12-3pm, Pleasant View Nursing Home, N3150 WI-81

• CHIPPEWA FALLS: May 23, 6pm-9pm, WFU Kamp Kenwood, 19161 79th Ave. Arrive early for a 5pm tour of the camp and 5:30pm potluck.

RSVP for events and learn more at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events.

Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement.

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