Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Mayor Mike Chamberlain: Belvidere has become the place to be

By Susan Vela
Staff writer

Posted Jun. 6, 2016 at 10:31 PM
Updated Jun 6, 2016 at 10:38 PM

BELVIDERE — Mayor Mike Chamberlain said tonight that good things are coming to the city, especially in light of the recent announcement that Belvidere's Fiat Chrysler Automobiles assembly plant has landed the top-selling Jeep Cherokee line.
“Belvidere has become the place to be,” he said during tonight's State of the City address. “Financially, the city is secure.”
The mayor is campaigning for re-election against challenger Ric Brereton, city treasurer and son of former mayor Fred Brereton, who led the city for 16 years.
Chamberlain highlighted several happenings of the past year during his annual address, which came about two months after aldermen approved an annual spending plan of $18 million.
Accomplishments, he said, include U.S. 20 ramp improvements for Genoa and Irene roads, State Street improvements, remodeling of St. James Church, the relocation of Manley Motors to 1800 N. State St., and a $60 million General Mills Inc. expansion at its Belvidere plant.
There’s also the possibility of four Swedish companies partnering with local companies.
“Together we have accomplished much and the future is bright.” Chamberlain said. “Our recent recognition as No. 6 on the list of the 25 best small cities in Illinois to start a small business was a welcome accolade for all of our hard work.
“Let’s keep the ball rolling.”
Aldermen declined to comment after the council session, during which they approved a resolution stating opposition to the proposed $8 billion, 275-mile Great Lakes Basin Railroad that would would transport cargo through the county as part of a bypass around the Chicago area.
“I was a little disappointed that he didn’t mention anything about the school district,” Belvidere resident Patty Bowley said. “The school system is a big part of the city.”

— Susan Vela: 815-987-1392; svela@rrstar.com; @susanvela

Above is from: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20160606/NEWS/160609648

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