Mayoral Candidate Robert Snow Hosts Meet And Greet Q&A At The Red Brick

Mayoral candidate Rob Snow chatting with Vermilion residents. Photo submitted

On Thursday, September 11, Vermilion mayoral candidate Robert Snow hosted a “Meet the Candidate” event at the Red Brick in downtown Vermilion. The evening gave residents an opportunity to hear from Snow, ask questions, and share concerns about the town’s future.

Snow, who has served on Town Council since 2021, began by introducing himself and reflecting on his time in Vermilion. He first moved to the community in 2000 to work on the ambulance, and in 2002, his family joined him in making Vermilion their home. He went on to manage the ambulance service until 2021, and alongside his council work, he also serves as CEO of FOCUS.

He explained that adjusting from a paramedic’s world to politics has been a unique challenge. “One thing about working as a paramedic in a small community is you actually try not to remember faces and names because you might have to pick them up,” he said. “So now it’s a real interesting challenge running for mayor, saying okay, I actually know you, I just have to remember your name. If I look at you like I don’t know who you are and you know me, that’s probably why—so please bear with me as I transition from that.”

Snow emphasized the importance of community dialogue in leadership. “This is how I envision a council and a mayor should be,” he told the crowd. “We should put on events where we get a chance to hear feedback from our residents, hear their concerns, and also share what we’ve been doing in council.”

During the evening, residents asked questions about financial responsibility, healthcare, the airport, housing, and economic sustainability. One recurring concern was taxes. Snow acknowledged the challenge while stressing the importance of transparency. “I’m not saying we are going to raise taxes,” he explained. “What I am saying is if that came up, I think it is important for council to not just say it’s happening but to take the time and really explain it to the residents of our community. I think as mayor and council we need to keep the ‘door is always open’ attitude.”

On healthcare, Snow offered a candid perspective on physician retention. “Back when I first came here, there were physicians that were here 10, 15, 20 years. They raised their families here, they shopped our stores, and that is the difference I see here today,” he said. “I’m not saying that these doctors and health practitioners are bad people—we just need health practitioners that want to be here, that aren’t going to stay for three years because we gave them $15,000. Because that to me is unsustainable. Trust me, I’m not saying they don’t deserve it. I’m saying we need those who want to stay.”

He added that making doctors and other health professionals part of the fabric of Vermilion is key. “Whether it is them joining clubs or getting involved with local groups, that sense of belonging is what will keep them here,” Snow said.

Housing and infrastructure were also discussed at length, including the significant cost of upcoming projects such as a $7.2 million sewer trunk line. Snow said council must find ways to plan ahead while balancing the tax burden on residents. “We need to start putting money away for when current and future infrastructure is in need of maintenance and building,” he said. “That way it doesn’t always fall back on current and future residents.”

Overall, the evening reflected Snow’s candid approach and his focus on open communication. His willingness to address difficult topics and invite tough questions gave attendees a clearer understanding of his vision for Vermilion should he be elected mayor.