Ric Brereton, son of former Belvidere mayor, announces candidacy

By Adam Poulisse
Staff writer

Posted Mar. 18, 2016 at 2:35 PM
Updated at 6:01 PM

BELVIDERE — Ric Brereton, city treasurer and son to former longtime mayor Fred Brereton, has announced he is running for mayor next year.

Brereton, 39, announced his campaign Thursday at Bush Gardens in downtown Belvidere.

He was the first to announce his candidacy for the 2017 election. The Republican primary will take place on Feb. 28 with the general election following on April 4, 2017.

He said he wants the city to be more communicative and transparent with its residents.

"The main issue I hear about is communication," Brereton said. "I just think we can communicate better with people using today's technology."

Brereton has been city treasurer since 2013. He is also serving his second term as president of the Boone County Republican Club. Both positions have prepared him for his run for office, he said.

"(I've built) very good relationships with all the departments in City Hall, all departments in Belvidere Township as well as other governing bodies in the state," Brereton said. "I'm in City Hall every day. I have a front-row seat in what's going on."

Brereton's father is one of the longest running mayors, serving 16 years and four terms. Lester E. Cunningham was mayor for five terms.

In 2013, as Fred Brereton was leaving office, he said he wanted to see the next generation step up to the plate. He said it's "extremely exciting" that is happening now.

"One of the last messages that I delivered leaving office was trying to encourage somebody from the next generation to step up to the plate. Unfortunately in that election, nobody did it," Fred Brereton said. "This time around, I didn't know it would be my son, but at least the next generation is getting involved. That has to be encouraging for everyone."

Mayor Mike Chamberlain declined to comment on Ric Brereton's campaign, or confirm if he will run again.

"It is assumed the incumbent will run," he said, "but at this time I'm not ready to announce."

Adam Poulisse: 815-987-1344; apoulisse@rrstar.com; @adampoulisse

Above is from:  http://www.rrstar.com/news/20160318/ric-brereton-son-of-former-belvidere-mayor-announces-candidacy