Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           August 25, 2010

CONTACT: Mark Snelling 802-985-5299 

MARK SNELLING CONCESSION SPEECH IN RACE FOR LT. GOVERNOR

August 24, 2010 

For the last year, I have had the great privilege of being a candidate for Lt. Governor of Vermont.  It has been a joyful year of meeting wonderful new friends, getting reacquainted with old friends, and traveling the beautiful hills and valleys of Vermont. I would not trade this experience for anything. I am a stronger; better person for the experience and my love of Vermont and her people has grown immensely. We should be very proud of our state and her people. This is, indeed, the best place on earth. 

First, I want to congratulate Senator Phil Scott on his victory tonight. He has raced hard, he has raced cleanly, and the victory is his. In the end, the 14 car just had a little more in the tank. I think it is very important to note tonight that this campaign between me and Phil has been full of hope and optimism for the future of Vermont and we have treated each other with respect. Over the course of the campaign I have had the opportunity to get to know Phil and I view him as a friend. I am going to work hard to make sure he is our next Lt. Governor so that he can help Brian Dubie begin to build a stronger economic future for Vermonters. 

I have many other people I need to thank. 

First, I want to thank the people of Vermont who shared their ideas with me and listened to my ideas. You were welcoming, warm, and friendly and above all you have worked and wished for a better future for Vermont. For those of you who voted for me and believed in me, I say thank you. Your support humbled me and I am forever in your debt for that trust and support. I will not forget the many hours you gave to help get our message out to Vermonters. 

I want to thank my campaign co Chairs – Mary Evslin, Stephan Morse, and Bill Stenger. Your wisdom and advice was critical to the quality of the campaign that we ran. 

I need to thank my honorary chairs – Lola Aiken, Dick Mallary, Bob Gannett, and Barbara Snelling. You each gave me the courage and inspiration to enter this race and I hope I have lived up to your high standards. 

I need to thank my hundreds of contributors who put their hard earned dollars behind their faith in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. 

I need to thank John Kleinhans and Darcie Johnston and her staff for their hard work, joy, humor, and many kind words on the tough days on the campaign trail. It has been a joy to work with you all. 

Clearly my greatest thanks go to my family. I know from my personal experience that during a campaign, a family must make huge sacrifices to make the campaign the central focus for many months. In my case, my family has been extremely helpful –from my mother Barbara to my sister Diane to my children -Matthew, Kristen and Lukas. Thank you.  

My final thank you is to my wife Linda. I simply could not have done this without her help and support. She has been the ultimate trouper, day in and day out. She alone is responsible for thousands of votes and I owe her more than I can ever repay in calm days of boating on Lake Champlain. I aim to get started on the payment plan tomorrow. 

I want to confirm my commitment helping build a strong future for Vermont. Brian Dubie and Phil Scott will carry a message to Vermonters that we can bring economic prosperity to Vermont. We can reduce spending and lower taxes. We can cut the red tape of bureaucracy and speed building projects. We can preserve our beautiful environment and we can protect and help the less fortunate among us. 

We are Vermonters and we will succeed at building a better future for our children because it is our responsibility. 

END

PO Box 71Starksboro, Vermont 05487

802-985-5299

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           July 26, 2010

CONTACT: Mark Snelling 802-985-5299 

FORMER GOVERNOR WELD ENDORSES SNELLING FOR LT. GOVERNOR 

Former Massachusetts Governor William Weld today announced his endorsement of Mark Snelling for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. William Weld was the popular and highly respected Governor of Massachusetts from 1991 to 1997. 

“I support Mark Snelling for Lieutenant Governor”, said Governor Weld. “I have known Mark and his family for many years. Mark is the kind of experienced leader that can help put Vermont on a sustainable financial track. He has the skills, the business experience, and the political experience to help streamline state government spending and work towards lowering taxes to make Vermont more competitive.” 

Snelling has been waging an aggressive campaign focused on creating a business environment that will help Vermont retain existing jobs and to compete for new jobs, while still protecting the environmental and social values that Vermonters hold dear. 

Weld added, “Mark Snelling has worked all across Vermont as a citizen volunteer for over 35 years. His work gives him the long term, statewide perspective that will enable him to bring people together to bring economic prosperity back to Vermont.” 

Snelling said, “I am honored to have a person with the regional and national reputation of Governor Weld endorse my candidacy. He has demonstrated through his work in Massachusetts that it is possible to cut government spending, improve the economy, regain lost jobs , and put a state back  on a firm financial footing. Accomplishing this task in Vermont will not be easy, but we must get started. I have the experience, the historical perspective, and the statewide relationships to move Vermont forward. We can have economic prosperity in Vermont and I will keep working until we achieve that goal.” 

Snelling has also received endorsements from Stephan Morse, former Speaker of the House, Lola Aiken, former Senator Robert Gannett, former U.S. Congressman Richard Mallary, Barbara Snelling, as well as four former Vermont Republican Party State Chairman and numerous Vermont business leaders including Mary Evslin, Bill Stenger, and Ernie Pomerleau.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           July 13, 2010

CONTACT: Mark Snelling 802-985-5299 

Prominent Republican Women, Wing and McClaughry, endorse MARK SNELLING for LT. Governor 

VERMONTERS WHO KNOW VERMONT BEST RALLY TO SUPPORT MARK SNELLING 

Mark Snelling announced today that two prominent Vermont Republican women have endorsed his campaign for Lt. Governor. 

Snelling said, “It is an honor and I am humbled to have these two women, who have worked for so long and so hard for the Republican Party, endorse my campaign. They have each demonstrated extraordinary service to the Vermont Republican Party and understand best what is needed to win a statewide campaign.” 

Anne McClaughry of Caledonia County, a long time vice-chair of the Republican Party and a member of the Governor’s Commission on Women said “Republican primaries are difficult because we often have two good candidates and this is the case today, but I have known Mark for over thirty years and he has a commitment and vision for Vermont’s future that place him at the top of the list for me. He is focused on streamlining state government and returning economic prosperity to Vermont.” 

Snelling said, “Anne has been a tireless worker for the Republican Party, both statewide and in Caledonia County. Her support tells me I am on the right track as I talk with Vermonters about lowering taxes to provide opportunities for Vermonters in need of better paying jobs.” 

Mary Wing, of Rutland, also endorsed Snelling for Lt. Governor today. Wing has been active in the Republican Party in Rutland and is considered one of the stalwarts of the Party.

 Wing said, “Mark and I go back many years. He has worked hard as a business person and he has dedicated his personal time to improving the quality of life in Vermont. His experience as a citizen volunteer statewide has given him a strong presence in all corners of the state. With his name recognition, experience and hard work, he will be a valuable asset to the Republican ticket this fall. 

Snelling said, “Mary Wing and her family have shown that the selfless efforts of a few people can immeasurably improve a community. I am proud to have earned her support and look forward to working with her throughout the campaign” 

Snelling has also received endorsements from Stephan Morse, former Speaker of the House, Lola Aiken, former Senator Robert Gannett, former U.S. Congressman Richard Mallary, Barbara Snelling, as well as four former Vermont Republican Party State Chairman and numerous Vermont business leaders including Mary Evslin, Bill Stenger, and Ernie Pomerleau.

END 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           April 5, 2010

CONTACT: Mark Snelling 802-985-5299 

Former State GOP Chairs Acinapura, Garahan, Lindley ENDORSE MARK SNELLING for LT. Governor 

VERMONTERS WHO KNOW VERMONT BEST RALLY TO SUPPORT MARK SNELLING 

Mark Snelling announced today that three former Chairman of the State Republican Party have endorsed his campaign for Lt. Governor. 

Snelling said, “It is an honor and I am humbled to have three former State Republican Party Chairman endorse my campaign. They have each demonstrated extraordinary service to the Vermont Republican Party and understand best what is needed to win a statewide campaign.” 

Joe Acinapura of Brandon is in his third term serving in the Vermont House Representing the Rutland-7 District. He is also a former Chair of the Brandon Selectboard. 

“In my years of leading the State Party, I worked with Mark and I have continued to watch his involvement in public policy with great admiration. His knowledge of the issues and his work ethic will enable him to serve Vermonters well in the future” 

Pat Garahan, a business and political consultant, served twice as State Republican Party Chair from 1985 to 1987 and again from 1998 to 2001. 

“Mark’s business experience, energy and intellect are sorely needed in these challenging times for Vermont. I have known Mark Snelling since I first worked for his father as Vermont’s Secretary of Transportation in 1983.  I have also been Chairman of the Vermont Republican Party twice and have known Mark’s commitment to the principles and philosophy of the party and of his support of its efforts.” 

Jack Lindley, of Montpelier, is a long time active Republican Party member and served as Chairman of the State Republican Party. 

“Mark has hit the ground running in this campaign. His hard work has already put him in all corners of the State and he is using his statewide contacts to build a strong, experienced campaign team in every county.” 

Snelling said “State Party Chairs need to be able to look at a candidate’s ability to run a strong, effective statewide campaign and to gauge a candidate’s ability to win the election. This endorsement confirms the statewide efforts I have made are showing results.”

 Snelling added, “This endorsement by former State Party Chairs adds to the campaign’s momentum. We have strong campaign leadership, representing all areas of the State and we have seen strong volunteer donations and commitments to help the campaign. I am very excited about our progress and will work hard to continue that progress.” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           March 29, 2010

CONTACT: Mark Snelling 802-985-5299 

Mary Evslin, Stephan Morse, Bill Stenger TO BE CHAIRS OF MARK SNELLING CAMPAIGN for LT. Governor 

VERMONTERS WHO KNOW VERMONT BEST RALLY TO SUPPORT MARK SNELLING 

Mark Snelling announced today that Mary Evslin, Stephan Morse, and Bill Stenger will serve as the Co-Chairs of his campaign for Lt. Governor.

Snelling said, “I am honored to have these three notable Vermonters chairing my campaign. They have each demonstrated extraordinary service to Vermont in the public sector as well as distinguishing themselves in the private sector. Their public and private achievements serve as models for others to follow. My campaign will benefit greatly from their experience, wisdom, and ideas for improving the quality of life for all Vermonters.” 

Mary Evslin, of Stowe, was appointed by Governor Douglas and the Legislature as the Founding Chair of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority. She also was a co founder and Vice President of Marketing for a company which was named the fastest growing technology company in North America in 2002 and became the largest Internet telephony carrier. 

“Mark has an optimistic vision for Vermont and the experience to make the needed changes to achieve that vision. I’m honored to support Mark Snelling and to serve as co-chair of his campaign.”  

Stephan Morse of Newfane, was a member of the Vermont House of Representatives for eight years and served as Speaker of the House for four years. He also was the President and CEO of The Windham Foundation, Inc. for many years. 

“I am excited about supporting Mark Snelling for Lt. Governor. Mark has the experience and vision during these difficult economic times to help guide Vermont to better times.” 

Bill Stenger of Newport, serves on the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors and was the Chair of the Next Generation Commission. He is the President and CEO of Jay Peak Resort and has been a leader in economic development for the State of Vermont. 

“Mark has been a friend for over twenty five years from our early days together in the ski industry. Mark’s combination of business experience and public service will enable him to bring a brighter future to Vermont.” 

Snelling also announced that John Kleinhans of Lyndon will serve as Campaign Coordinator and Charles Kittredge of Shelburne will serve as the Campaign Treasurer. 

 Kleinhans served as the Chair of the Vermont College Republicans and currently serves as the Chair of the Northeast College Republicans. Kleinhans will be organizing student interns to work for the campaign in each county. 

Kittredge served in the administration of Governor Richard Snelling and is the Chairman and CEO of Crane & Co. 

Snelling said he is excited with the level of knowledge and experience that these Vermonters bring to the campaign. “It is a campaign dream team. The campaign is off to a strong start and we are busy traveling across Vermont to listen and talk with Vermonters about improving Vermont’s future.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            February 22, 2010

 CONTACT: Mark Snelling

                     802-985-5299

 MARK SNELLING CALLS FOR DELAY OF YANKEE VOTE

 SNELLING SAYS VERMONTERS DESERVE ALL THE FACTS AND A THOUGHTFUL DISCUSSION TO DELIVER GOOD PUBLIC POLICY

 (Starksboro, VT).

Mark Snelling, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor said today that he believes the Vermont Senate should delay its planned Wednesday vote on the future of Vermont Yankee. 

“Vermont Yankee has saved Vermonters hundreds of millions of dollars on their electric bills and provides millions of dollars to the State through taxes paid while employing hundreds of Vermonters at good wages.” 

The rush to vote in the middle of the current controversy does not deliver the sound, thoughtful public policy discussion that Vermonters deserve. The legislature and Vermont Yankee are in the process of gathering information about the recent leaks and about the economic impact of Vermont Yankee. 

Snelling believes many Vermonters agree with him that Vermont Yankee is an important resource for Vermont’s future and important to Vermont’s future economic development. 

“Vermont Yankee has delivered safe, reliable, and low cost power to Vermont’s homes and businesses for 40 years. It would be hasty to vote to shut the plant down in 2012 without listening to all of the information that will be available in the next several months.” 

Snelling said he understands the concerns of those who want the plant closed and agrees the management of the plant has done a poor job recently and that the plant must operated consistent with Vermonters’ high standards. 

“The people of Vermont deserve good public policy, but they also deserve to have any power generation facility in Vermont be well run, safe, and reliable. Vermont Yankee’s management has a tall hill to climb to meet the standards of quality we hold dear in Vermont” 

He went on to say he would support Yankee relicensing if the problems are solved and if the Public Service Board approves. 

“If the problems are addressed properly, and the financing package is acceptable, Vermont Yankee provides a possibility of the lowest cost power available to Vermonters for the next 20 years. Vermont can not afford to turn her back on this possibility at this time.” 

- 30 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 2010

CONTACT: Mark Snelling
802-xxx-xxxx

MARK SNELLING CALLS FOR REPLACEMENT OF YANKEE VP AND TO BEGIN REBUILDING TRUST

SNELLING SAYS HE SUPPORTS YANKEE, FEELS VERMONTERS ARE BEING LET DOWN AND TRUST NEEDS TO BE REBUILT BEFORE RELICENSING CAN BE SUCCESSFUL

(Starksboro, VT).

Mark Snelling, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor today released a letter he has sent to J. Wayne Leonard, Chairman and CEO of Entergy Corporation, the corporate parent of Vermont Yankee nuclear power station. In the sharply worded letter Snelling said:

“Vermont Yankee should immediately reassign Jay Thayer, who as Vice President of Operations is the person most responsible for the relicensing efforts and install in his place a person who will rebuild the relationship with Vermont’s Governor, Legislature, and her people.”

He went on to say he supports Yankee and believes it should be relicensed if the Public Service Board approves.

“I am also a supporter of relicensing Vermont Yankee, if the relicensing is approved by Vermont’s Public Service Board.”

Snelling believes many Vermonters agree with him that Vermont Yankee is an important resource for Vermont’s future and important to Vermont’s future economic development.

“I believe I am speaking for hundreds of thousands of Vermonters when I say Vermont Yankee can and should be an important part of Vermont’s economic future. We need safe, competitively priced, and clean energy for employers who provide good jobs now and in the future. Our homeowners depend on Vermont Yankee to safely light and power
their homes. Vermont Yankee has been part of our lives for forty years and it has been an important part of our lives.”

Snelling called for a new employee at Vermont Yankee to begin rebuilding trust with the Vermont people by providing timely, honest information on the Internet as well as in person. Snelling went on to say that he believes that if Vermont Yankee takes these actions immediately, Vermonters will respond favorably.

“If Vermont Yankee wants to be relicensed, they must immediately start demonstrating on a daily basis that they understand the trust of the people of Vermont has been lost and it must be rebuilt. That rebuilding is not complicated. Vermont Yankee needs to communicate early and often both on the web and in person the details of how they are dealing with the revelations of the past weeks.

If you take strong, direct and immediate action, and show that you deserve of the trust of the Vermont people, I believe they will respond.”

- 30 -

http://www.addisonindependent.com/200910new-snelling-set-lieutenant-governor-run

No Cakewalk for Democrats
by
Angelo S. Lynn

Now that Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie has announced his intentions to run for governor, the state’s political landscape has become a lot clearer  and that landscape might pose a surprisingly stiff challenge for Democrats to take back the governor’s seat.

Consider that Dubie fits that classic all-American persona a physically fit man who is a commercial pilot with a military background, former school board chairman of one of the state’s largest towns (Essex Junction), and a politician with seven years experience as backup to the governor.  Now, pair Dubie with businessman Mark Snelling who has a good chance of becoming the party’s candidate for lieutenant governor. Snelling is a successful Shelburne businessman, an inventive entrepreneur at a time when job creation and economic development is one of the state’s top priorities, and who has one of the most recognizable political names in the state.

While the two positions are not coupled in Vermont, it would be a natural fit to see Dubie and Snelling campaigning together and striking a pretty telegenic pose and they would likely be campaigning without a primary opponent uttering a negative word about either candidate.

The Democrats, on the other hand, are preparing for a primary slugfest with what is likely to be at least five well-known candidates. Already in the race are Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, state senator and former Lt. Gov. Doug Racine and Sen. Susan Bartlett. Sources also say that Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin will soon join the race, while former Sen. Matt Dunne might as well.

Three things are likely to happen. First, because primaries attract support from the most ardent of the party faithful that pushes these Democratic candidates to court political left for much of the next year. Second, it’s likely that the winner will not only muster less than 25 percent of the vote, but will likely be pretty-well bruised and battered in the process with a lot of unkind things said about each of the candidates. Third, the Democrat(s) running for lieutenant governor will be completely overshadowed by the governor’s race.
When the primary battle ends in late summer, the party will be expected to resurrect the winning Democratic candidate, raise lots of money (from the supporters of the four losers as well good luck with that) for the general election, and move their candidate toward the political middle (oh, and promote the forgotten lieutenant governor candidate) with just three months remaining against two all-American, pro-business Republicans who will have pitched themselves as political moderates.

Democrats who think policy differences between the two parties are going to carry the day for them, might do a little role-playing to imagine how this political theater might be played out on the real stage.

Our hunch is that it won’t be the cakewalk Democrats thought it would be just a few weeks ago.
(Angelo S. Lynn is editor & publisher of the Addison Independent where this essay first appeared.)