FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2025
Mayor Donny Schmit and Team Launch Campaign for Fox Lake’s Future
Fox Lake, IL – With early voting set to begin in just one month and Election Day only six weeks away, Mayor Donny Schmit, alongside Trustee Bernice Konwent, Planning Commission Chair David Gauger, and Trustee Jeff Jensen, has officially launched their campaign for re-election. The team kicked off their campaign with a successful event last Wednesday night, drawing strong support from the community.
“I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming encouragement and generous donations we received,” said Mayor Schmit. “We are running as a team, and I encourage everyone who supports me to also vote for Bernice Konwent, David Gauger, and Jeff Jensen—the first three candidates on the ballot. I am fortunate to be running with such a highly qualified, dedicated group that truly has the best interests of Fox Lake at heart.”
Commitment to Transparency and Addressing False Claims
Over the next several weeks, Mayor Schmit will be sharing twice-weekly updates outlining the team’s achievements, plans, and goals for Fox Lake’s future, while also addressing misinformation being spread by opponents.
“We have always prioritized transparency, and I will continue to provide clear, verifiable facts about our administration’s work,” Schmit stated. “While I would prefer to focus entirely on our accomplishments and future plans, I must also take time to correct false claims being circulated.”
One of the most misleading statements being spread is the claim that local sewer and water enterprise funds will be used to fund the Lakefront Park expansion, along with false assertions regarding water bill increases, special treatment for officials, and past rate changes.
Setting the Record Straight
Here are the facts:
✔️ No recent water rate increases: The last increase occurred on May 1, 2022, and no further increases have been made.
✔️ Enterprise funds are legally protected: By law, these funds cannot be used for purposes other than what they were collected for. Both the Finance Director and Mayor Schmit have ensured these funds remain strictly allocated for their intended services.
✔️ Publicly discussed funding: The park project funding and enterprise funds have been addressed multiple times in open Village Board meetings, most recently on February 11, 2025.
✔️ Fair and structured payment plans: Water bill payment plans are available to residents behind on payments, and services are only turned off as a last resort—without disconnecting sewer and water services, a policy Mayor Schmit changed when he took office.
✔️ Park project funding is separate: The bonds funding the Lakefront Park expansion come from multiple sources, and no enterprise funds are being used.
For those interested in further details, all financial records, including enterprise fund definitions and allocations, can be found on the Village of Fox Lake’s Transparency Portal:
🔗 https://www.foxlake.org/326/Transparency-Portal
Stay Engaged and Informed
Mayor Schmit will continue sharing important campaign updates every Wednesday/Thursday and Saturday/Sunday leading up to Election Day. His next post will focus on the team’s deep commitment to community involvement.
Vote for Donny Schmit, Bernice Konwent, David Gauger, and Jeff Jensen on April 1st to keep Fox Lake moving forward!
