Richard A. Snelling

Richard A. Snelling was an American businessman and politician who served as the 76th and 78th governor of Vermont. A member of the Republican Party, he held office from 1977 to 1985 and again from January 1991 until his death in August 1991. Snelling's political career was marked by his commitment to environmental issues and economic development, alongside a strong foundation in business.

Early life and career

Richard Arkwright Snelling was born on February 18, 1927, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Walter O. Snelling, a chemist, and Helen Marjorie Gahring. Snelling's early education took place in the public schools of Allentown, where he demonstrated academic excellence, completing his high school requirements six months ahead of schedule as part of an accelerated program designed for students entering military service during World War II. He was an active participant in various sports, including track and field, swimming, and wrestling, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Following high school, Snelling briefly attended the University of Havana in Cuba and then transferred to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. At Lehigh, he was involved in athletics, playing on the football and wrestling teams. Eventually, he moved to Harvard University, where he continued to excel academically, making the dean's list and serving as president of the Harvard Conservative League. He also taught swimming and aquatic safety during his time at Harvard, graduating with a bachelor's degree in government and economics in 1948.

Snelling's military service began in October 1944 when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps Reserve. After the program was discontinued, he transferred to the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps. He was called to active duty in May 1945, serving during the final months of World War II and the subsequent occupation of Germany. Snelling held various roles, including investigator and information bulletin editor, and achieved the rank of technician fifth grade before being discharged in October 1946.

After completing his military service, Snelling returned to Harvard to finish his education. He then embarked on a business career that included positions at Joseph Breck & Sons, a wholesaler in Boston, and a successful management role at Henry A. Dreer, Inc., a company specializing in plants and seeds. In 1953, he relocated to Vermont, where he worked as an assistant to the president of Colonial Motors, a Burlington car dealership. By 1955, he was managing Green Mountain Television Corporation, an early cable television company.

In 1957, Snelling founded Shelburne Industries, which initially produced wire and metal products and later specialized in ski racks and other ski equipment. This venture proved to be financially successful, establishing Snelling as a millionaire. Alongside his business endeavors, he served on the boards of several companies and was involved in various business organizations, including the Young Presidents' Association and the Chief Executives Organization.

Governorship

Snelling's political career began in earnest in the 1950s, although he faced several electoral defeats early on. He ran unsuccessfully for the Vermont Senate in 1956 and served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1959 to 1961. He was also a delegate to multiple Republican National Conventions and held leadership positions within the Chittenden County Republican Committee and the Vermont Republican State Executive Committee.

After a series of unsuccessful campaigns for lieutenant governor in 1964 and governor in 1966, Snelling returned to the Vermont House in 1972, where he served until 1977, including a term as majority leader. His political fortunes changed in 1976 when he successfully ran for governor, marking the beginning of his first term in office.

During his initial governorship, which lasted until January 1985, Snelling was re-elected three times, in 1978, 1980, and 1982. His administration focused on various initiatives, including environmental protection, where he notably opposed plans for uranium mining in Vermont. Snelling's leadership style was characterized by a pragmatic approach to governance, balancing economic development with environmental concerns.

After leaving office in 1985, Snelling continued to be active in politics. In 1986, he ran for the United States Senate but was defeated by incumbent Democrat Patrick Leahy. However, he made a political comeback in 1990 when he was again nominated by the Republican Party for governor. He was inaugurated for his second term in January 1991 but passed away later that year in August.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout his political career, Snelling was known for his commitment to both economic growth and environmental stewardship. His governorship was marked by efforts to promote sustainable development while protecting Vermont's natural resources. He was particularly vocal against proposals that he believed would harm the state's environment, such as uranium mining.

Snelling's legacy also includes his contributions to the political landscape of Vermont, where he was part of a prominent political family. His wife, Barbara Snelling, served as lieutenant governor and in the state senate, while his daughter, Diane, succeeded her mother in the state senate. His son, Mark, also pursued a political career, running for lieutenant governor in 2010.

Overall, Richard A. Snelling's life and career reflect a blend of business acumen and public service, with a lasting impact on the state of Vermont through his governance and family involvement in politics. His approach to leadership and policy continues to be a point of reference in discussions about Vermont's political history and environmental policy.