Vote 4 Arevalo

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in the great state of Illinois, I am 36 years old, and my core values are rooted in my parents. My father has always been a farmer and continues to work tirelessly to this day. His unwavering dedication laid the foundation for my work ethic, instilling in me the values I hold dear. My mother, on the other hand, nurtured a deep love within me—a love that has guided my efforts to serve and uplift others in every way I can.

Over the past 10 years, I've gained valuable experience through various organizations, governance roles, and ongoing education. I’ve attended seminars and pursued continuous learning to enhance my understanding to become an effective leader.

This journey has allowed me to build incredible connections and friendships, all of which have prepared me for the road ahead as I campaign for the mayoral race on February 25th of 2025."

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My vision for a more business-friendly environment was well received during conversations with several business owners in Belvidere. I envision strengthening the city’s relationship with business owners as a key step toward fostering growth. We must explore ways to make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to invest and expand by simplifying processes and reevaluating outdated ordinances. Additionally, ensuring a level playing field for all businesses is essential—avoiding favoritism and promoting fair opportunities for everyone.
Taxes: I understand the frustration with rising taxes. My goal is to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and transparently. I support controlling spending, prioritizing essential services, and exploring ways to attract business investments to broaden the tax base rather than overburden residents. While raising taxes is not ideal, it is sometimes necessary to ensure vital services are maintained.
City Appearance: Belvidere deserves to shine as a community we can all be proud of. Improving the city's appearance is a priority, which includes addressing neglected properties and focusing on beautification efforts. Applying for State and Federal grants is essential to fund these improvements. Taking out loans for the city is a possibility, but only as a last resort, as the long-term cost of interest can strain the budget.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about public policies that uplift our community and support small businesses. A strong, vibrant community starts with creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

I also believe small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. By advocating for policies that reduce barriers, provide resources, and encourage entrepreneurship, we can create an environment where small businesses can grow and succeed. When our businesses flourish, so does our community. It’s about building a better future together, one step at a time.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my parents for their strong work ethic and caring love, which have shaped my values. I also follow in my brother's footsteps by serving my country in a different way, as he served in the military.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend the movie Lincoln. It highlights the importance of perseverance, unity, and the courage to make tough decisions for the greater good. These are values I hold dear and strive to embody in my approach to leadership. The film emphasizes collaboration and the power of working together, which is what I hope to see in our city—residents and citizens coming together to build a stronger, more connected community.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must embody the characteristics of a compassionate leader who truly listens to the needs of the community and acts with empathy and understanding. Compassion ensures that decisions are made with the well-being of all residents in mind, fostering trust and connection.

Equally important is the ability to acknowledge and rectify mistakes. No one is perfect, and leadership is about learning and growing. An effective official takes responsibility for their actions, listens to feedback, and works tirelessly to correct missteps while staying focused on the greater good. These principles build a foundation of integrity, accountability, and service.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of someone elected to this office are ensuring that the community remains the top priority, addressing its needs and concerns with dedication and transparency. This means actively working to improve the quality of life for all residents while finding ways to unburden citizens, whether through efficient use of taxpayer dollars, reducing unnecessary regulations, or providing access to essential services.

Equally important is fostering economic growth by supporting small businesses, attracting new investments, and creating opportunities for job creation. A thriving economy not only strengthens the community but also lightens the load on residents by broadening the tax base. It’s about building a future where everyone can prosper.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the tragic event of 9/11 as the first historical event in my lifetime. I was 12 years old at the time and recall feeling sad and not fully aware of what was happening in the moment.

A mayor is a leader in his or her city. What does that mean to you?

A mayor is a leader in their city, which means finding opportunities to discuss and have conversations with the public and business owners, engaging with the youth, and fostering future leaders to ensure the community thrives.

If the mayor in your city is a member of the city council and there's a city manager appointed to handle the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe should be the mayor's top priority in office?

The mayor's top priority in office should be to serve as a unifying leader and advocate for the community by fostering collaboration between the city council, residents, and local businesses. The mayor should focus on setting a clear vision for the city's growth, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maintaining accountability while promoting open communication and engagement with the public. Building trust, addressing community concerns, and fostering partnerships to enhance the city's quality of life should remain at the forefront.

If the mayor in your city is not a member of the city council and oversees the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor and city council?

The mayor should have a cordial relationship with the city council, fostering collaboration and mutual respect while ensuring that council members are also active and engaged in the community. This partnership is essential for addressing community needs and achieving shared goals effectively.

What do you love most about your city?

What I love most about Belvidere is the small-town feel it offers, along with how courteous people are and their genuine willingness to help a neighbor.

What do you perceive to be your city's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I perceive my city's greatest challenges over the next decade to include not adopting changes quickly enough, as surrounding areas have been doing, investing in infrastructure to attract more businesses, and consulting with groups to stay informed about trends that support growth.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the state government?

The ideal relationship between the city and the state government involves working alongside Senators from both parties, ensuring that collaboration is key to addressing community needs and fostering growth. The ideal relationship between the city and the state government should be one of collaboration, mutual respect, and open communication. The state government should provide support and resources to help the city achieve its goals, while the city should work to align its initiatives with state policies and priorities. This partnership should focus on addressing shared challenges, fostering economic development, and ensuring that the city’s unique needs and opportunities are understood and prioritized at the state level.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the federal government?

The city’s relationship with the federal government should involve active communication with its congressional representative and collaboration to address community needs. The city should advocate for federal resources and support, ensuring access to grants, infrastructure funding, and programs that benefit local residents.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement?

Relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement should be based on mutual respect, trust, and open communication. The mayor should support law enforcement in maintaining public safety while ensuring accountability and transparency. This partnership should focus on fostering community trust, addressing public concerns, and promoting policies that encourage equitable and effective policing. By working together, the mayor and law enforcement can create a safer, more inclusive environment for all residents.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The government should always be fiscally responsible and held accountable to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently while maintaining public trust.

About Myself and Vision

My Platform

Hello everyone, my name is Daniel N. Arévalo, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Mayor. Over the past decade, I have been deeply involved in serving our community. My experience includes two terms as an Alderman and active participation on various boards and organizations such as the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), the Library Board, Rockford Sexual Assault and Counseling (RSAC), and Empower Boone, which oversees the local food pantry.

These roles, along with my involvement in other boards and attendance at educational seminars, have provided me with the knowledge and experience needed to lead an efficient and effective city government. I am committed to working hard for our community and ensuring we continue to move forward together.

My vision for a more business-friendly environment was received well during conversations with several business owners in Belvidere. I envision strengthening the city’s relationship with business owners as a key step toward fostering growth. We must explore ways to make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to invest and expand by simplifying processes and reevaluating outdated ordinances. Additionally, ensuring a level playing field for all businesses is essential—avoiding favoritism and promoting fair opportunities for everyone.

My approach is fostering economic growth while ensuring a balanced regulatory environment. A few key strategies to consider:

1. Streamlined Permit Process – Work on reducing bureaucratic delays for business permits and zoning approvals to encourage swift establishment and expansion.

2. Tax Incentives & Grants – Propose targeted tax incentives for small and medium-sized businesses, including property tax abatements, sales tax exemptions, and workforce development grants.

3. Infrastructure Investments – Ensure that roads, utilities, and broadband infrastructure support business expansion, especially in industrial and commercial zones.

4. Public-Private Partnerships – Collaborate with local business organizations, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies to create incubator programs and shared resource centers.

5. Vocational & Workforce Development – Partner with local schools and colleges to develop training programs that align with business needs, ensuring a skilled labor force.

6. Business-Friendly Policies – Review and revise outdated regulations that hinder business growth while maintaining necessary safety and environmental standards.

7. Marketing & Business Attraction Campaigns – Promote the city's business-friendly policies to attract entrepreneurs and investors looking for growth opportunities.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a robust local economy that not only supports businesses but also benefits residents through job creation and a broadened tax base.

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Como alguien nacido y criado en nuestra comunidad, entiendo profundamente la cultura y valores que hacen de Belvidere un lugar especial. Mi objetivo es construir un gobierno local más accesible y eficiente, enfocado en servir a cada miembro de nuestra ciudad.

Una de mis propuestas clave es alentar a diferentes sectores públicos a considerar la contratación de personal que hable español. Esto no solo mejorará la comunicación con nuestra comunidad hispana, sino que también fortalecerá las relaciones entre los ciudadanos y los servicios que utilizan.

La diversidad es una de nuestras mayores fortalezas, y reconociendo las necesidades de todos, podemos trabajar juntos para construir un futuro inclusivo y próspero para Belvidere.

Estoy comprometido a liderar con transparencia, accesibilidad y dedicación a nuestra gente. ¡Juntos podemos lograrlo!

Your Voice Matters: Vote for Change

Daniel N. Arévalo

Serving The Community

Frequently Asked Questions

About Myself and Vision

My Platform

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Photo Gallery

Your Voice Matters: Vote for Change

Connect With Us

Daniel N. Arévalo

Serving The Community

Frequently Asked Questions

About Myself and Vision

My Platform

Lider

Photo Gallery

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