Former Dixon mayor sworn into state Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Newly elected state Sen. Liandro “Li” Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, took the oath of office Wednesday in the newly remodeled Illinois State Capitol Senate Chambers in Springfield.

He now represents the 37th District, which is composed of all or parts of Bureau, DeKalb, Henry, La Salle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Whiteside and Woodford counties.

“I am looking forward to lacing up my boots and rolling up my sleeves to get to work in Springfield and bring meaningful change to our state’s residents,” Arellano said. “As a former small business owner and past mayor of Dixon, I learned invaluable skills that will be beneficial in my role as senator.”

Following news that former Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell embezzled $53 million of taxpayer dollars, Arellano ran for mayor hoping to clean up city government. He served two terms, from 2015-2023, as Dixon’s mayor. During his time in office, he gained extensive experience in economic development, infrastructure investment and long-term fiscal planning, he said.

“Every day, I saw the effects of our state’s high taxes, burdensome regulations and fiscal mismanagement,” Arellano said. “I came to Springfield as a voice for my constituents, a veteran of our country, and most importantly, a dad fighting for my children’s future.”

Before entering public office, Arellano opened his first restaurant at age 26, operating a local franchise and learning the intricacies of business management, development and entrepreneurship.

He attended the University of Michigan before joining the U.S. Army, where he has served in three combat deployments. He currently serves in the Army Reserves as a Squad Leader for the 317th Engineer Construction Company in Homewood.

He is married to his high school sweetheart, Jamie. Together, they have five children, ranging in age from 14 years to just 3 months old.

To contact Arellano’s office, visit www.senatorli.com for more information.

Stoller honored for serving two terms as 37th District’s senator

State Sen. Win Stoller, R-Germantown Hills, was honored Tuesday on the Senate Floor following the passage of Senate Resolution 1348, which commended him for his two terms of service and congratulated him on his retirement from the Illinois General Assembly.

“It’s been an honor of my life to work with my colleagues in the State Senate to make Illinois a better place to live. I wish them all success as they continue this important work,” Stoller said.

Senate members on both sides of the aisle took time to honor Stoller through several floor speeches recognizing him for his financial and business background, his humbleness and dedication to his faith.

“One of the highlights of this role was being able to meet so many people, from all walks of life, throughout the 37th District,” he said. “One thing we have an abundance of in Illinois is good people.”

Stoller was recognized for his legislative achievements, including the passage of his innovative State and Local Tax workaround bill, which provided significant relief to Illinois small businesses at no cost to the state of Illinois. He also served as the key negotiator for the Senate Republicans on solving the $4.5 billion deficit in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

Stoller, who serves as CEO of Widmer Interiors in Peoria, plans to continue his community service in various roles in the Peoria area.

“It gives me comfort to know, as I leave this role, that it will be in good hands with my successor, Li Arellano. I’m confident Li will do great things for the 37th District,” Stoller said.