Will County Gazette

Will County Board member Stephen Balich said he will keep his elected post if he has anything to do with it.

Balich, a retired 30-year Teamster running again for a four-year term, told the Will County Gazette that making a difference in people’s lives with actions and not just words is foremost, which is why he filed his candidate petitions Nov. 26.

“This means the people will have the opportunity to decide if I have been doing a good job with their vote,” Balich, who calls himself a conservative Republican, said, adding submitting his petitions was a positive experience. “I turned in over four times what I needed to have. People seemed happy with me but upset with the state.”

The candidate said he will keep a close eye on Will County District 7, which includes Homer Glen, the city of Lockport, unincorporated Homer Township and New Lenox North of Interstate 80, to assure fewer taxes, smaller government and fewer regulations.

“They are my guiding principles,” Balich said. “I want to continue to be a public servant making life better for people in Will County.”

Citing his successful stint as a board member, Balich noted he has been able to enact policies that have halted aerial photos from being used to initiate building code violations, enabled citizens to be reimbursed for towing, storage and administrative fees if they found not guilty in court for a parking violation.

“I also spoke and voted against raises for elected officials,” Balich said. “I do not take the pension and spoke against any Will County Board member taking it. This passed as law and is now the rule for Will County Board members.”

Balich said he will continue the same path of success if re-elected.

“Going to most all the meetings, which I do, is an important part of the position because that’s where opportunities to make changes begin,” Balich said, adding availability to citizens and being active in the community is key to understanding the issues. “I am not afraid to stand with a resident that is getting nowhere in a dispute with local government. I believe everyone deserves respect, and it is my job to help to the best of my ability.”

Balich said he will be holding future fundraisers and attending special events.

“I will continue fighting for the people I represent every day,” Balich said. “Doing a good job is the best way to keep support.”