Former Poland Town Supervisor Kelly Snow pictured with husband. Submitted photo

KENNEDY – This year is the first year in nearly a decade and a half that the town of Poland has not had Kelly Snow serving as town supervisor.

Snow announced her retirement from the position in 2025 and was recognized recently for her service by town officials.

Snow has long had a deep connection to the community, having raised multiple children in the town. She was instrumental in organizing the town’s Memorial Day parade each year, with many having stated that it only rained during one parade as a testament to Snow’s dedication. In addition to this event, Snow also helped to continue the flag retirement ceremony held each year in the town and was a constant presence at the Kennedy Free Library’s Election Day Dinner.

“I just want to say congratulations to Kelly on her 14 years of service to the town as Supervisor. I’ll always look back on our time together on the board with fondness,” said Rob Smith, the town’s new supervisor. “She was a great mentor, and a great friend. I’ll do my best to fill the big shoes she left. Congratulations and thank you!”

Snow was also deeply involved in numerous additions to the town, including a transformation of Hallquist Park that included the addition of a well, pump and a new pavilion. Snow also arranged a spring cleanup day each year. Snow also supported equitable opportunities, a show of her belief in compassionate governance. Snow supported the yearly rabies clinic in the town, which gave residents the opportunity to ensure all pets are properly vaccinated. Snow was also an advocate for the Welfare-to-Work program.

“Kelly prioritized public safety and environmental stewardship. She voted to have the creek cleaned out to remove debris and address dangerous conditions, helping to protect residents and property. She supported the continuation and expansion of the Recreation Committee and its extensive programming, including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, summer reading program, Halloween party, and Christmas event–programs that have enriched the lives of countless families,” said Kennedy Free Library Director Dawn Swanson. “As Kelly Snow steps away from public office, she leaves behind a legacy of thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, community partnership, and unwavering dedication to the Town of Poland. Her 14 years of service have strengthened the foundation of the town and enhanced the quality of life for its residents.”

After pushing for a 2014 survey that would gauge resident concerns, Snow helped the Poland Town Board focus on the projects that the community wanted most, most of which would translate into the town’s comprehensive plan. An advocate for infrastructural upgrades, Snow pushed applications for a host of grants for the town. The town would receive about $1.5 million under Snow from grants such as Community Development Block Grants. The funds gathered from these grants went toward continuing to push for affordable housing and updated infrastructure within the town. When ARPA funding would eventually become available, Snow helped lead the effort to build of a new public library building, as Snow was an avid advocate for the long-term sustainability of the library.

Additionally, Snow oversaw the overhaul of the Town Hall building, modernizing the facility and making it handicap accessible, as well as the expansion of the Highway Department’s building to give more space for necessary operations.