MAHOPAC, N.Y.—When the Town of Carmel Republican Committee meets in early February, it will need to choose between three candidates vying for the two seats available in the November election for Town Board: incumbent Councilman Michael Lugo, former Supervisor Ken Schmitt, and former Councilman Robert Schanil. We asked each Town Board candidate to explain why they deserve consideration. Their responses are in alphabetical order.
Michael Lugo
Incumbent Councilman Mike Lugo won the November 2024 special election to fill the seat vacated by Steve Baranowski’s resignation in late 2023 and is set to complete the former Carmel GOP chair’s term at the end of this year.
If he doesn’t get the GOP’s endorsement, Lugo said he plans to force a primary.
Lugo said he is seeking reelection because “Carmel deserves a candidate who is finally willing to put the people of this community over politics.”
“It is time we put the years of nepotism, broken promises and failed leadership behind us,” he said. “Anything is possible if we work together, not against one another!”
The married dad and local business owner has lived in Mahopac for more than 20 years and calls himself a proud member of the Lake Mahopac Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He founded a volunteer group for fathers called D.A.D.S. (Dads Always Doing Something) and said he serves as a youth sports coach, councilman, and mentor.
“Dealing with the general public on a daily basis [as a business owner and volunteer] positions me to be an asset in the growth of our hometown,” he said. “I have built strong relationships, trust, and a sense of hope with my constituents. I pride myself in bridging the gap between two generations that think a bit differently but have the same goals in mind.”
Asked why he’s running for Town Board, Lugo said his connection to the community as both a business owner and young parent with a school-age child gives him an important perspective on issues affecting families.
“Local matters!” he said. “It is important that the young leaders of our generation take on such roles. My goal is to have a positive impact on the community that I grew up in while building a better future for our children. Furthermore, I am confident in my skills to communicate, prioritize, and execute a task at hand.”
Lugo said he hopes to see the Town Board build on positive initiatives currently in progress.
“In order to move ahead, we must finish some of the work we already started,” he said. “Swan Cove, Carmel Water District 2, the recreation center, and sewer improvements, to name a few,” he said. “I am not looking to reinvent the wheel and make tons of changes, but improve on what we already have in place. The people want a candidate who is willing to fight for what’s right and put 100% into doing so. I’m that guy.”
Robert Schanil
Former councilman Robert Schanil hopes to return to local government to continue work that began during his previous tenure on the Town Board from 2020-2023.
“It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I announce my candidacy for the Carmel Town Board,” said Schanil, who served as deputy supervisor during his last term. “Although we faced challenges navigating through the pandemic, I am proud to say that we worked as a team to help bring the town employees, residents, and local businesses through an unprecedented time.”
A lifelong Putnam resident, Schanil graduated from Carmel High School in 1986 and has lived in Carmel Hamlet with his wife, Marlene, for 26 years. The couple’s four children were born at Putnam Hospital Center and graduated from Carmel High School.
“Over the many years, we as a family have been involved in numerous recreational and school-sponsored programs and organizations,” Schanil said. “I have always been active in supporting these organizations through fundraising and volunteering. I have great pride in living in such a wonderful community and would like to extend my civic duty by serving again as a Town Board member.”
Schanil cited his record as a councilman representing residents and working on the town’s budget.
“Beyond that, infrastructure improvements such as securing funding for electric vehicle charging stations and funds for upgraded security at the Town Hall are among my accomplishments as a board member,” Schanil said, noting that he assisted in negotiations that helped the town reach “fair and reasonable agreements” with the Carmel PBA and the Highway Department, “ensuring that the agreements were beneficial for both the employees and [Carmel’s] taxpayers.”
Schanil said if elected, his priority would be “maintaining fiscal responsibility as in the past while working hard to achieve new municipal goals and objectives.”
He cited his skill at building strong relationships with community members and local leaders “at all levels” and said the Town Board “must be collaborative” to keep Carmel moving forward.
“My ability to understand and reason with others while sharing my vision for success will be most beneficial in the role of Town Board member, since it is crucial for the prosperity of the town that a strong balance and focus be established between the Town Board and the supervisor,” Schanil said. “My strong ability to communicate clearly and manage projects while seeing the big picture to strategically define and meet goals positions me to excel in this position.
“It is my goal to help move [projects like] Swan Cove and the Downtown Mahopac revitalization forward and to complete the Master Plan to include a Master Infrastructure Plan,” he added. “This will allow a build-out of the water and sewer systems, enabling more residential and commercial land use. As a Town Board member, I value the gifts this community has given to my family and me, and I will work toward keeping this community growing and thriving for future generations.”
Ken Schmitt
Former Carmel Supervisor Ken Schmitt, a former Carmel Police Department sergeant who later served as Carmel supervisor for 14 years, said he decided to for Town Board run after speaking with his family, friends, and residents. He believes his experience will be especially valuable as the town moves to implement its long-awaited master plan.
“I will be running as a proud Republican,” said Schmitt, who is seeking the Carmel GOP committee’s blessing against sitting Councilman Michael Lugo and former Councilman Robert Schanil. “As you know, I previously served the residents of the greater Carmel/Mahopac community as town supervisor from 2008 to 2021.”
Schmitt said his long stint as supervisor will “greatly benefit the Town Board and the residents.”
“If elected, I will always remember we are there ‘for the people,’” he said. “My strong principles of fairness and fiscal responsibility will always factor into my decisions and actions. I strongly believe in less talk and more action.”
Schmitt called the health, safety, and welfare of residents his top priority and promised to put in the time to work for the community.
“Those who know me know that I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty,” Schmitt said. “I’m extremely proud of my record of accomplishments during my tenure as town supervisor. I promise to bring the same energy and work ethic as councilman.”
Schmitt added that he would work for residents across the entire community.
“I will always remember that there are three hamlets in the town of Carmel—the hamlets of Carmel, Mahopac, and Mahopac Falls—and that we work for all of the residents,” he said. “Any decisions that are made will be made with ‘you,’ the people, in mind.”
Born and raised in Mahopac, Schmitt said he plans on remaining there with his children and grandchildren. He promised to be accessible to residents.
“I had a great law enforcement career with the Town of Carmel Police Department, retiring in 2007 after serving for 26 years,” Schmitt said. “I respectfully ask for your trust, confidence, and support in this November’s election for town councilman for the town of Carmel.
“I’m very open to listening to and considering all feedback and positions from residents as it pertains to town-related business and projects,” he added. “Open dialogue and communication are extremely important to me.”
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