Politics & Government

Election 2013: Marilyn J. Schnell

Marilyn J. Schnell is one of six candidates running for the Downers Grove Village Council in the 2013 election.

Marilyn J. Schnell is one of six candidates running for the Downers Grove Village Council in the 2013 election. Schnell, 66, is a retired computer consultant. She is currently in her fifth term as village commissioner.

Name: Marilyn J. Schnell

Position sought: Commissioner, Downers Grove Village Council

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Age: 66

Campaign website: www.marilynschnell.com

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Campaign email address: mjschnell@gmail.com

Family (name, relationship and age): Husband, Philip; children, Carrie and Andrew; two granddaughters

Education (degree and school): Bachelor's degree from Queens College and graduate work at Cornell University

Occupation: Retired computer consultant

Previous elected offices: Downers Grove Village Commissioner since 1988

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: 

  • Village Council: 1988 - present
  • Planning and Zoning Commission: 1980-1988
  • Various council committees dealing with zoning, traffic, storm water, finance, public services
  • Legislative committee of DuPage Mayors and Manager
  • Other related experience can be viewed on my webpage

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

To continue my work on the council in areas of fiscal responsibility, storm water and road infrastructure improvements. To be a voice for our residents on the village council, to listen to their concerns and make decisions that are good for the entire village based on their input. To use my experience to help learn from the past, but be forward thinking toward the future.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Maintaining a balanced budget while still addressing those issues which our residents have told us are so important to them (storm water, road reconstruction and maintenance, integrity of our water system, sidewalks).

What sets you apart from the other candidates? 

My experience, my in-depth knowledge of the issues facing Downers Grove, my conservatism in issuing relating to finance, my ability to try to bring about consensus with my colleagues.

How long have you lived in Downers Grove and/or been active in local issues? 

We have lived in Downers Grove for 33 years, and I was active in local issues within weeks of moving to the community. I was appointed to the plan commission in 1980, the zoning commission soon thereafter, and in 1988 the village council.

What's your favorite thing about Downers Grove? 

The people. Downers Grove is a town of almost 50,000 people but with the caring attitude of a much smaller community. People look out for each other, welcome newcomers to their neighborhoods, become involved in issues that are important to them, and look forward to talking to their elected officials about issues, their town, events—just about anything.

What is the biggest challenge facing Downers Grove?

Maintain fiscal responsibility, i.e. balancing the budget, while still making progress on the many infrastructure projects that are so important to the quality of life of our residents.

Related Pages:

  • Election 2013: Downers Grove Village Council 
  • Election 2013: Robert "Bob" Barnett
  • Election 2013: David S. Olsen
  • Election 2013: Susan Walaszek
  • Election 2013: Don Jankowski
  • Election 2013: Greg Hosé

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