Feb. 28 primary election to decide who is mayor of Belvidere

By Bob Balgemann

REPORTER

Most of the decisions as to who holds elected office in Boone County for the next four years will be made April 4.

That’s not the case with one key position, that of mayor of the City of Belvidere. Voters will make that decision during the Republican primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Incumbent Mayor Mike Chamberlain is seeking re-election to a second term and is being opposed by challenger Ric Brereton.

There are four other contests in the primary, two within the City of Belvidere and two in Belvidere Township. Those winners will move on to April 4, where they face Independent candidates.

“Mayor Mike,” as he is known, has an extensive background in community service, political, and otherwise.

Before running for mayor, he served two terms on the Belvidere City Council, from 2005-13. During that time, he was mayor pro tem from 2006-13.

His community involvement included membership on the Boone County Council on Aging Board of Directors, various capacities in the Flora and Pomona Grange, member of the Illinois State Grange, Harvest Fest Committee member since the event’s inception and chairman of the festival in 2012, and member of the Boone County Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Commission, Sister Cities Association, Kishwaukee Riverfront Committee, Blue Thunder Boosters (charter member), Belvidere Main Street Board of Directors, “Super Seniors” judges panel, and Illinois Sheriff’s Association.

He decided to run for a second term in an effort to continue the extensive, varied forms of progress the city has experienced over the past four years. It is his intention to “continue to provide strong leadership and recognition for a growing Belvidere.”

Regionally, he led an effort to create a regional planning commission and currently serves as chairman of the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning (RMAP). He also is executive chair of the Community Action Agency of Boone and Winnebago Counties.

At the state level, he is serving his fourth consecutive term as vice president of the Illinois Municipal League.

Locally, he said his focus has been on creating a climate of “yes” and “can do.”

In 2015, Belvidere was recognized by Reboot Illinois.com as being No. 6 among 1,268 municipalities in the state when it came to starting a business.

Fiat Chrysler USA and their suppliers are making a $500 million capital investment in Belvidere while General Mills completed a $60-million expansion in 2016.

OSF, Swedish American Hospital, and Mercy Rockford all expanded their healthcare offerings.

Since 2013, the city has become home to more than 30 new business ventures, including restaurants, antique stores, and video gaming parlors.

Finally, the mayor said he orchestrated the process of an all-Belvidere Manley Motors transaction. That kept the second oldest Ford dealership in history in Belvidere and gave new life to the old Wolf Chevrolet dealership property. The transaction was financed by Alpine Bank.

Son of a mayor

Being the son of a former mayor, Ric Brereton said he was exposed to local government at an early age. That led to his being involved with government for more than half of his life.

After that exposure, he said he realized “how important it is to be involved in our community.”

In 2013, he was elected treasurer of the City of Belvidere.

In 2014, he was elected president of the Boone County Republican Club, then was re-elected in 2016. Also in 2014, he ran for the position of precinct committeeman, was elected and then re-elected in 2016. At that time, he was appointed city chairman for the Boone County Republican Central Committee.

Community service was part of his life in 2005, when he co-hosted a show, “Belvidere in Focus,” which aired on Comcast TV Channel 20. The show featured businesses and other happenings in the city.

“I actually want to bring this program back,” he said. “I have also helped out with Belvidere’s Internet radio station, BNNS Radio.”

In addition, he has served on the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving Meal Committee and helped organize the annual Heritage Days patriotic community worship service for the past several years. He also helped with the National Day of Prayer event, held the first Thursday in May.

He is a member of the board of deacons at his church and has been the sound engineer since 2010. He also has been a member of the Belvidere Police Department Pension Board.

Memberships include the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce, Sister Cities Association, Boone County Gardeners of America, Belvidere Youth Baseball, Main Street Players of Boone County, and Gideons International “to name a few.”

“My love for Belvidere prompted me to run for mayor, and I would love to represent the city that I am a product of, as well as the next generation,” he said.

“As mentioned, I realize the importance of being involved in the community and encourage others to do so as well. This is a great opportunity for the next generation to ‘step up to the plate,’ with a combination of experience and new ideas.”