Important choices to be made in primary election

By Bob Balgemann

REPORTER

Primary elections typically don’t prompt much of a turnout to the polls.

However, Tuesday, in Boone County, some important choices will be made in the Republican primary election.

One of them is deciding who will serve as Belvidere’s mayor for the next four years. The incumbent is Mike Chamberlain, and he is being challenged by City Treasurer Ric Brereton.

The primary is winner takes all as there are no Democratic, Independent, or write-in candidates on record for the April 4 consolidated election.

In addition, two Belvidere City Council seats will be on the ballot.

Incumbent Ward III Alderman Tom Ratcliffe is being challenged for a second term by Daniel Hulina, and in Ward V, incumbent John Sanders has drawn opposition from former county board member Christopher Berner.

The winner in Ward III will be home free. The winner in Ward V will have to go another round as he will face Independent Marsha Freeman on April 4.

Contests in Belvidere Township round out the ballot.

There are five candidates for four upcoming vacancies on the township board of trustees. The field includes incumbents Kathy Grover and Richard Nelson, challengers Ronald Wait and Jim Culvey, and incumbent Robert Turner.

There also are five candidates for township road commissioner, all hoping to replace the longtime office holder, Rich Lee, who chose not to seek re-election. Candidates are Nick Reininger, Shane Treu, Russell Moore, Joe Caveny, and Michael Dixon.

Independent Kenneth McBee will face the winner in the April 4 general election.

Owen Costanza, chairman of the Republican Central Committee, spoke to the importance of the election.

“The Feb. 28 Republican primary holds some potentially large changes for the City of Belvidere and Belvidere Township,” he said.

“The winners of some races will go on to win those elected positions. I would urge voters to make sure their voices are heard as the course of the next four years of leadership is clearly in their hands. It is our duty and privilege in our country to vote.”

The two candidates for mayor of Belvidere were asked why they thought voters should select them for that office.

“Optimism has returned to Belvidere,” Mayor Chamberlain said. “Our trend is upward, and we need to keep pressing forward. The track record of this administration for the last four years speaks for itself. We have experienced visible success in many areas.”

Among those areas are: economic development, infrastructure improvement, and the community.

Economic development includes major, new investments from Chrysler and General Mills, along with significant expansions in local healthcare offerings. There will be more than $500 million in new capital investment, producing a net gain of 2,000 to 2,200 new jobs in the next 12-18 months.

Infrastructure improvement of the downtown streetscape project has been completed; well No. 10 has been completed and is online. The Columbia Avenue Phase II project was completed five years ahead of schedule.

The community has grown through Heritage Days, which is a regionally recognized festival, and Hometown Christmas is being re-invigorated. The city has increased participation in community events such as the Boone County Fair with a tent each year, BOCO, and the Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook-Off.

“We have enjoyed much success but there is much more to do,” the mayor said.

“I will continue to provide strong leadership for our community, pledged to raising prosperity for all, and bringing positive recognition for a growing Belvidere. My door and my heart will remain open to all. Working together, we have created a climate of ‘yes’ and ‘can do.’ Let’s keep moving forward.”

Challenger Brereton said, “This is a great opportunity for the next generation to ‘step up to the plate,’ with a combination of experience and new ideas. I am a product of Belvidere. I love Belvidere, and I would love to represent my hometown in the capacity of mayor.”

He said he believed he brought a unique combination of experience and new energy to the table.

“I’ve been involved in local government for over half of my life.” he said. “At 40 years of age, I feel that I’m not too old and not too young.”

Also, as the current city treasurer, he said he is familiar “with all aspects of city hall. I’m already in there every day. The relationships with other city employees and departments are already established. I’m not just somebody new coming in from off the street.”

Most of all, he said his main motivation for being the best mayor possible would be his love for the city, and not to want to let anybody down.