(La Quinta) – La Quinta Councilman Stan Sniff has died at the age of 85 due to an undisclosed illness. Sniff was a fixture on the city council continuously since 1986, making him the longest-serving council member in city history. He served as Mayor Pro Tem first in 1991 and five times subsequently, most recently in 2006. During his tenure Sniff did not miss a meeting until this past year when his health appeared to be declining. He was not able to attend a special tribute to his life’s work two weeks ago.
Sniff lived in the Coachella Valley since 1928. He was a date farmer in the valley and remained active with farming and land use issues throughout for more than 50 years. According to the biography on the city of La Quinta’s website, “Council Member Sniff has served as the Vice Chair of the La Quinta Redevelopment Agency. He serves on CVAG’s Energy & Environmental Resources Committee and the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission. He has been active in local retail, tourist and farming industries for over fifty years."
In a press release issued by the city, Mayor Don Adolph said of Councilman Sniff's passing, "Today, we're again saddened by the loss of another dedicated and loyal public servant. Stan Sniff served as a member of the La Quinta City Council for 25 years, and his vision and leadership helped shape La Quinta to the wonderful community it is today. We've lost a valued colleague and a friend. Stan, you will be deeply missed..."
Sniff's major accomplishments included serving as president of the La Quinta Property Owners Association, founding the La Quinta Cove Association, chairing the Water Committee and CVAG's PM-10 Technical Working Group Committee, and serving on the Waste Transfer Committee. "Councilman Sniff implemented a long-term vision for the City of La Quinta as well as the region, serving on CVAG's Energy & Environmental Resources Committee, the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, andthe Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy," according to the release.
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, who has represented the Coachella Valley since 2003, issued this statement, “I was saddened to learn of the death of La Quinta City Councilman Stan Sniff, a friend and someone who will be remembered as a ‘larger-than-life’ statesman to many people. Stan loved La Quinta as well as the Coachella Valley and worked tirelessly on their behalf for much of his life. He will be missed but never forgotten. My condolences go out to his wife, Sharalee; two daughters, Synthia and Sharon; and son, Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff, Jr.”
Sniff is also survived by sons Dana, Dennis and Brian. Services have not yet been announced.
The city council will consider filling the vacancy left by Sniff at their December 6 meeting. The council has 60 days to appoint a new member or call for a special election.
If you have tips or ideas for stories related to politics and government in the Coachella Valley, please email at iepolitics2010@gmail.com or find me on Facebook or Twitter @iepoliticscom.
Comments