VETERAN LEADERSHIP
TRUSTED SERVICE
Setting the record straight:
fACTS & aCCOUNTABILITY
Leadership isn’t about deflecting criticism. It is about having the integrity to answer questions with the truth.
Too often in local politics, rumors and out-of-context headlines take the place of real conversation. I have spent my career believing in accountability, so I refuse to let political spin speak for me.
Below, you will find the facts and full context behind the issues being raised in this campaign. I invite you to read the truth for yourself.
Why I Am Running for Mayor
CLAIM #1:
Shawn Snow decided to run for Mayor out of political ambition, outside coaching, or a personal grudge.
THE FACTS:
It was never about ambition or politics:
Many people have asked what finally pushed me to run for Mayor. It wasn’t political ambition, I wasn’t coached, and it wasn’t someone else’s grudge.
The real turning point:
It came down to a moment this past January that was the straw that broke the camel’s back:
a citizen went to the hospital with a severe injury, our city ordinance wasn’t enforced, and when a desperate family needed help, they were treated like an inconvenience.
CLAIM #2:
City leadership handled the January incident properly and supported the family.
THE FACTS:
A failure to enforce and assist:
When an injured citizen required emergency care and a family sought help, city ordinances went unenforced and the family was dismissed rather than supported.
Reprimanded for doing the right thing:
I was fortunate enough to have witnessed some of these events and my heart broke for them. It was then that I directed them to the Mayor’s Office for better answers. A short time later, I was reprimanded for it by the Mayor.
CLAIM #3:
City Hall will continue business as usual if Shawn is elected where residents and employees have to watch what they say.
THE FACTS:
Open door, servant leadership:
As your Mayor, my door will always be open. My phone number is there for the taking. Employees and citizens will never be scolded for asking questions, and you will never be treated like an inconvenience. My role is servant leadership and I will serve you.
The mission:
I’d be honored to earn your trust and your vote. Let’s bring City Hall back to the people.
The Lawsuit & Settlement: What Actually Happened?
THE CLAIM:
Officers used excessive force during an arrest, and the city settled because the department was at fault. Claims against Shawn Snow including “brutalizing” a black male.
THE FACTS:
Immediate Administrative Clearance
When legitimate excessive force concerns exist, Internal Affairs immediately launches a formal inquiry. In this case, Internal Affairs reviewed the incident both immediately after the arrest and again after the civil suit was filed. In both reviews, IA found complete compliance with department policy and procedure and determined no investigation was warranted.
Proactive De-escalation
Body-worn camera footage documented that when the suspect resisted during a lawful search warrant and subsequent detention, Shawn Snow personally stepped in to ensure a fellow officer did not overextend the subject’s arm. To minimize physical discomfort, Shawn Snow used two sets of linked handcuffs and ensured he was treated with dignity once secured.
Expert Exoneration
A P.O.S.T. use-of-force expert formally reviewed the encounter and concluded all officer actions were well within legal and constitutional standards.
Fiscal Settlement, Zero Wrongdoing
Municipalities often resolve civil claims out of court because prolonged litigation costs taxpayers far more than a quick settlement. The formal settlement agreement explicitly stated that the officers committed no wrongdoing.
Department Demotion: Taking Responsibility as a Leader
THE CLAIM:
A past demotion indicates poor conduct or disciplinary failure.
THE FACTS:
True Leadership Takes Ownership
While serving as a supervisor, a subordinate officer made an arrest outside our city limits following a protective order violation. Rather than blaming a subordinate or deflecting vicarious liability, Shawn Snow stepped forward, accepted full supervisory responsibility for his inaction in stopping it, and volunteered to accept a demotion.
Refusing Administrative Shortcuts
Shortly after accepting the demotion, leadership and civil service identified an administrative loophole: because Shawn Snow had previously proven his leadership worth and passed the promotional exam with high scores, Shawn Snow was given the opportunity to petition the Civil Service Board to bypass the demotion and promote straight to Lieutenant.
Earning Trust the Honest Way
Shawn Snow declined to use the loophole. Real integrity means not looking for back doors. Shawn Snow chose to earn back his standing through hard work—outperforming expectations on every shift in the year following.
Civic Duty & Voting History
THE CLAIM:
A history of missing elections in younger years proves inadequacy and lack of concerns for elections.
THE FACTS:
Honesty About the Past
Like many young adults starting out, Shawn Snow did not fully understand the profound impact and privilege of participating in every local election.
A Moral Turning Point
Years ago, during a church men’s retreat, a mentor challenged Shawn Snow on the biblical principle of community stewardship and our duty to lead by participating.
A Consistent Record Today
That conversation changed Shawn Snow’s perspective permanently. Ever since, he has treated voting not just as a civic right, but as a moral responsibility to our community and our families.
Our Standard
Leadership isn’t defined by avoiding tough situations. It is defined by how you handle them. Whether it means stepping in to de-escalate a tense call, standing up and taking the hit for your team, or owning past mistakes and growing from them, my record demonstrates one consistent principle: accountability without excuses.
Rumors about a police chief
THE CLAIM:
A new Chief of Police has already been handpicked behind closed doors.
THE FACTS:
No Predetermined Picks
The safety of our community is too critical for backroom political appointments or cronyism. Shawn Snow has not promised this position to anyone, nor does he have a candidate selected in advance.
A Rigorous, Transparent Search
When the current chief retires, our administration will launch a comprehensive, competitive selection process. Every qualified applicant will be evaluated based strictly on leadership, operational experience, integrity, shared vision, and community trust.
Ending the Secrecy
Public safety leadership should never be decided in the shadows. The current mayor has already conducted private interviews with four candidates without the knowledge or input of key stakeholders. One particularly favorited candidate has already made claims he has secured the position.
Community-First Leadership
Our officers, our council, and our residents deserve an open, professional hiring process. Shawn Snow will ensure our next chief is selected based on merit and capability, not political favoritism.
Independence & Accountability: Moving Beyond Feuds
THE CLAIM:
I am running as a proxy for the City Marshal to “take over” city government and settle old scores.
THE FACTS:
Shawn Snow is His Own Man with His Own Vision
Nobody controls Shawn Snow’s voice, his decisions, or his leadership. Shawn Snow is running because our residents deserve a mayor focused on tomorrow, not politicians trapped in the grudges of yesterday.
Earned Endorsements vs. Strings Attached
The Marshal openly supports this campaign because he knows Shawn Snow’s work ethic, integrity, and operational discipline firsthand. A respected leader endorsing a candidate is not puppetry. It is a vote of confidence in the ability to lead this city independently.
Ending City Hall’s Smoke & Mirrors
It is astonishing that the current administration and its surrogates are still obsessed with a lawsuit involving a debunked tire-slashing rumor. While City Hall hides behind smoke and mirrors to keep a decades-old personal vendetta alive, real issues like public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal transparency are being neglected. I will not waste taxpayer time or energy carrying on someone else’s political grudge.
A New Culture: “See Something, Say Something”:
Real independence starts with building a government that holds itself accountable. As mayor, Shawn Snow will implement a city-wide “See Something, Say Something” policy across every department. Every city employee—regardless of title, rank, or department—will have the protection and responsibility to speak up when they spot waste, fraud, safety risks, or misconduct, neglected issues and be completely free from retaliation. We all work for the citizens of Thibodaux and our duty is to them, not our own interests.