Barnett Defends Mayoral Seat Against Schmitt In Downers Grove: Election 2023

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — After his first term as Mayor of Downers Grove, Bob Barnett is defending his seat against Marshall Schmitt, a local lawyer with experience on the District 58 Board of Education and as a member of the Downers Grove Rotary Club.

When voters head to the polls on April 4, they'll determine whether Barnett will get a second term or Schmitt will be elected for his first. Below, you'll find some information about each candidate and his platforms as we head into the 2023 election.

Bob Barnett

Bob Barnett was elected as Mayor of Downers Grove in 2019, replacing Mayor Martin Tully, who had reached his term limit. Barnett had previously served on as a village commissioner for three terms before he was elected mayor, defeating Marge Earl and David Olsen in the 2019 election.

Before getting into public service, Barnett earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Evansville. He then earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management.

The Issues

Barnett's platform focuses on community building, environmental sustainability, pedestrian safety and infrastructure improvements that include repairs to the Fairview Business District.

Per environmental sustainability, his website states, "As your Mayor, I'll continue to ensure that awareness, sensitivity, and the search for improved alternative solutions is part of our process from top to bottom across the organization."

Barnett's website states that the Fairview Avenue area holds "untapped promise." He writes,

"Our downtown is the heart and soul of the community. It embraces and enhances our small-town nature while providing access to the world. We can expand on the excitement and energy that our downtown brings to the community by creating a plan – and then working that plan – for the Fairview area business district. Another hub in our community that can be a regional draw and adds real value to our shared future."

Marshall Schmitt

Marshall Schmitt first moved to Downers Grove in 1975 before graduating from Downers Grove South High School in 1976, per his campaign website. Schmitt then graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and followed up with a law degree from Harvard University.

Since returning to Downers Grove, Schmitt has been a member of the Rotary Club and served as a member on the Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education from 2001 to 2009. Schmitt was elected vice president of the District 58 board in 2005 and served in that role until 2009.

The Issues

Schmitt's website pledges that the candidate will offer "transparent, ethical governance with no self-dealing."

Regarding environmental sustainability, Schmitt's website states that he is dedicated to "ensuring that the Village of Downers Grove collaborates with the community and other governmental entities to implement environmentally sound and sustainable best practices."

Among Schmitt's plans for community development, he has outlined an initiative that aims to foster Constructive Community by increasing the lines of communication between village officials, residents and other government bodies.

On Facebook, Schmitt wrote,

"As Mayor, one of my most critical roles will be to advocate for all in the Village and find a way to work with the other members on the Council to solve problems and to find creative ways to improve the lives of Village residents, including those parties with whom I might zealously disagree. I recognize that this process involves compromise, Most of all, it involves listening to all interested parties, in particular, Council members, staff, and Community members. The process involves creating opportunities to engage in dialogue to surface all relevant ideas and evidence and to reach the best possible solutions."

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