Barnett Surges Ahead In Downers Grove Mayor Race: Election 2023

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — When voters headed to the polls Tuesday, they determined whether Mayor Bob Barnett would be elected for another term. Barnett faced off against Marshall Schmitt, an attorney who served on the Downers Grove Grade School District 58 for eight years, including as vice presidents.

As of 10:50 p.m., Barnett still had a distinct lead over Schmitt.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. in DuPage County. As of 10:50 p.m., the unofficial vote totals were as follows, with 98.9 percent of election day votes tabulated, showing Barnett surging past Schmitt.

Barnett: 5,765 votes

Schmitt: 3,113 votes

Barnett took the helm as Mayor of Downers Grove in 2019, when former Mayor Martin Tully stepped down after reaching his term limits.

Here's a little background information about each candidate.

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.

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 would 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."