Fox Lake mayor names slate for '09

Two days after an opponent announced his slate for the spring 2009 election, Fox Lake Mayor Cindy Irwin announced her running mates for that ballot.

Irwin said the three people who will make up her slate are longtime residents of the village and devoted to see it succeed.

"I think my slate is awesome," she said. "We have covered all areas of the community and all are truly devoted to seeing Fox Lake move forward."

Joining Irwin on the ballot are: Trustee Carol Ulasy, current chair of the finance committee; Don Otway, owner of Catalog Corp. in Fox Lake; and Donnie Schmit, owner of a Fox Lake construction company.

Otway and Schmit are new to the political arena. Ulasy was elected to the board in 2005.

Irwin said she plans to include a clerk candidate but hasn't made a final decision on who.

"Honestly, I think the people who are running for office are tremendous and think it will be a great election," she said.

Three trustee seats and the mayor and the clerk positions are up for election in 2009.

Irwin is set to face Trustee Ed Bender, who announced Wednesday he would run for mayor.

Bender's slate mates are: Fox Lake firefighter Jon Mumford; planning board member Valerie Griseta; and zoning board member Kevin Burt.

Mumford and Griseta are new to politics, and Burt has campaigned but lost while running for trustee in 2005 and 2007.

Incumbent village clerk Samantha Weeks is also on Bender's slate, running to retain her current position.

There is no word on whether incumbent Trustee Noel Working intends to seek re-election.

Irwin said she was happy the two slates are putting up candidates new to politics, because new blood is needed in village hall.

"I'm thrilled that people like Kevin Burt and Jon Mumford and Valerie (Griseta) are running with Ed," she said. "Everyone running is outstanding, and, win or lose, I think they'll be willing to keep helping the village in the future."