Richard Arkwright Snelling (February 18, 1927August 13, 1991) was an American businessman, politician, and the 76th and 78th governor of Vermont from 1977 to 1985 and from January 10, 1991, until his death.

A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Snelling was educated in Allentown and served in the United States Army at the end of World War II and during the post-war occupation of Germany. He graduated from Harvard University in 1948 and embarked on a business career, working for companies in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. After settling in Vermont, he founded Shelburne Industries, a maker of ski racks and other ski equipment. He became active in politics as a Republican, served a term in the Vermont House of Representatives (1959–1961), and ran unsuccessfully for Vermont Senate in 1956, lieutenant governor in 1964, and governor in 1966. In 1972, Snelling was again elected to the Vermont House. He was reelected in 1974, and served from 1973 to 1977. In his second term, Snelling was chosen to serve as majority leader.

In 1976, Snelling was the successful Republican nominee for governor. He was re-elected three times, and served from 1977 to 1985. In 1986, Snelling was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for the United States Senate and was defeated by incumbent Democrat Patrick Leahy. In 1990, he was the successful Republican nominee for governor. He was inaugurated in January 1991, and served until his death. Snelling's family was prominent in Vermont politics; his wife Barbara served as lieutenant governor and a member of the state senate. His daughter Diane succeeded her mother as a state senator. His son Mark was an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010.

Early life and education

Snelling was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania on February 18, 1927, the son of chemist Walter O. Snelling and Helen Marjorie Gahring.

He was educated in Allentown public schools and graduated from Allentown High School in 1944, completing the requirements six months ahead of his classmates as part of an accelerated program for young men intending to enter the military during World War II. During his high school years, Snelling was a member of the National Honor Society, and the school's track and field, swimming, and wrestling teams.

After graduating from Allentown High School, Snelling briefly attended the University of Havana in Havana, Cuba, and then Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, before transferring to Harvard University. He attained the rank of technician fifth grade and was discharged at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October 1946. He then returned to Harvard, where he received a bachelor's degree in government and economics in 1948. For several years after moving to Vermont, Snelling was active in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary where he served as an officer. In 1956, Snelling was elected vice commander of Burlington Flotilla 802, and was appointed as the flotilla's inspector of facilities. In 1972, he was again elected to the Vermont House, and he served from 1973 to 1977. During his final term, Snelling was the House's majority leader.

Governorship

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In the 1976 Vermont gubernatorial election, Snelling was elected governor. He was re-elected three times, in 1978, 1980, and 1982, and served until January 1985. In addition, he sailed frequently on a yacht he purchased after leaving the governorship. The Vermont General Assembly responded to Snelling's initiative by negotiating and enacting the largest tax increase in Vermont's history, more than $90 million, while also imposing deep cuts in state programs. They had four children, Jacqueline, Mark, Andrew, and Diane.

His daughter Diane B. Snelling served in the Vermont Senate after being appointed to succeed her mother in 2002. She resigned in 2016 to accept appointment as head of the Vermont Natural Resources Board.

Snelling's son Mark was an unsuccessful candidate for the 2010 Republican nomination for lieutenant governor.

Death and legacy

Snelling died of a heart attack at his home in Shelburne, Vermont on August 13, 1991. He was succeeded by Howard Dean. Snelling was interred at Shelburne Village Cemetery.

The Snelling Center for Government at the University of Vermont was named in honor of Richard and Barbara Snelling.

References

  • The Political Graveyard

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