Voters return Belvidere Mayor Chamberlain for second term

By Bob Balgemann

REPORTER

“Mayor Mike” is back for a second, four-year term as the city’s chief executive officer.

Incumbent Republican Mike Chamberlain received 62 percent of the 1,543 ballots cast in the Tuesday, Feb. 28 GOP primary to defeat the challenger, Ric Brereton, son of Chamberlain’s predecessor, longtime Mayor Frederic Brereton.

Chamberlain campaigned on his track record that was highlighted by economic growth, with a promise for more in the near future. He said he would continue to exhibit the solid leadership shown during his first four years in office.

With no Democrats, Independents, or write-in candidates to be on the April 4 general election, he will take a second oath of office in May.

The same is true for incumbent Belvidere Ward III Alderman Tom Ratcliffe, who received 63 percent of the votes cast to withstand a challenge from another Republican, Daniel Husina.

Another incumbent, Republican John Sanders in Belvidere City Council Ward V, will have to do it all over again April 4. He defeated challenger Chris Berner with 66 percent of the primary vote cast.

Next, he will take on Independent Marsha Freeman for the four-year term.

There will be other city races on the April 4 ballot.

Incumbent Republican City Clerk Shauna Arco is being opposed by Independent Joanne “Josie” Riley, while Independent Tom Porter and former Alderman David Deckert, a Republican, are vying for the Ward I seat currently held by Alderman Clint Morris. Morris is not running for re-election.

In Belvidere Ward II, incumbent Republican Daniel Arevalo has opposition from Independent Michael Borowicz.

Incumbent Ward IV Alderman George Crawford is unopposed as is city treasurer candidate Cory Thornton. Both are Republicans.

In Belvidere Township, three incumbent trustees were returned to office as five candidates, all Republicans, sought four seats on the board.

Incumbent Robert E. Turner (1,103 votes), newcomer Jim Culvey (1,079), and incumbents Richard Nelson (980) and Kathy Grover (977) won election to four-year terms.

Former Illinois state representative and county board member Ron Wait trailed with 760 votes.

Michael T. Dixon emerged from a field of five GOP candidates to reach the finals in the race for a four-year term as Belvidere Township road commissioner. He received a whopping 41 percent of the votes cast to 24 percent for Nick Reininger, 21 percent for Russell Moore, eight percent for Shane Treu, and seven percent for Joe Caveny.

Dixon moves on to April 4 where he will meet Independent Kenneth McBee, unsuccessful candidate for road commissioner four years ago. Then, he opposed incumbent Richard Lee, who chose not to seek re-election this year.

The primary drew 9.58 percent of the registered Republican voters.

Belvidere Township Supervisor Bill Robertson, longtime township Clerk Judy Schabacker, and incumbent Assessor Tami Torrance, all Republicans, will be unopposed on April 4.

Robertson was appointed last fall following the unexpected death of Patrick Murphy, while still in office. Torrance was elected to a first term in 2013, defeating the incumbent, Democrat Diann Helner, who was completing her first term.

Boone County voters will see more action on April 4 with races in the villages of Caledonia, Capron, Poplar Grove, and Timberlane, along with the eight other townships, Belvidere School District 100, and North Boone School District 200.