Fox Lake mayor to seek re-election

Fox Lake Mayor Cindy Irwin said she will seek re-election to the position in spring 2009.

Irwin, 66, who has served the last four years as mayor, said her love for the village is driving her decision.

"This is what I want to do," she said.

Irwin served as a village trustee from 1999 through 2005, when she challenged and edged out former Mayor Nancy Koske in a close election.

Koske, who is currently serving as a trustee, has also said previously she is considering another run for the village's top office.

Former Fox Lake Mayor William Dam has already announced he will run for mayor in 2009.

Prior to 1999 and even while serving as trustee, Irwin drew allies because of her tireless dedication to community service.

However, some allies have turned into troublesome opponents.

One is Pete Jakstas, owner of the Mineola Marina and Lounge. A rift developed in the last year over the handling of Fox Lake's annual fireworks display that Jakstas has been launching over Mineola Bay for 25 years.

Following months of bickering and Irwin telling Jakstas he wasn't needed for the fireworks in 2007, an agreement over money was reached and Jakstas was able to continue running the celebration. However, bad blood remains between the two.

Jakstas, who has also had rifts with Koske and Dam while they served as mayor, said he's not backing anyone at this point and wants to wait to see who else throws their hat in the ring.