Will County Gazette

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s refusal to debate Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) before the upcoming Republican primary is because he's unable to answer what he has done without looking foolish, according to Stephen Balich.

Rauner’s handlers don't care about the voters learning that there is a real choice in this election cycle, Balich, a retired 30-year Teamster seeking re-election to the Will County Board, told the Will County Gazette.

“Since he is leading in the polls he has no desire to give candidate Ives any relevance,” Balich said.

The Telegraph guest columnist Scott Reader reported Jan. 25 that Rauner has refused multiple attempts to debate Ives.

“I emailed Rauner’s campaign spokesman Justin Giorgio to find out why the governor is laying low. He did not respond to multiple emails,” Reeder wrote, adding the governor has called Ives a “fringe candidate.”

“Candidate Ives is not a fringe candidate,” Balich said. “She is, however, a person who is standing for the things that benefit people living in Illinois.”

Balich is seeking re-election for County Board's 7th District seat, which includes Homer Glen, the city of Lockport, unincorporated Homer Township and New Lenox North of Interstate 80. He said the governor refuses to debate because the issues upsetting the Republican base, independents, and even Democrats would be exposed.

“The governor knows the state is broke and property taxes are over the top,” Balich said. “He knows people want to find ways to leave, joining the thousands who already left Illinois.”

He said Rauner is most likely avoiding any confrontation with Ives for many reasons, “but in my opinion, he knows once Ives starts exposing the folly of his term as governor the people will be disgusted.”

Though Balich has no opponent in the March primary, he does have an issue he wants voters in his district to be aware before the November election.   

“I did not have an opponent in the March primary, but there will be opposition in the general for County Board District 7,” Balich said. “The No. 1 issue is taxes.”

He said as property tax increases and home values decrease, it is making it harder and harder for buyers to qualify for a mortgage.

“This results in seniors and those on fixed incomes being forced out of their homes with less money because they can't sell their property for what they think it is worth,” Balich said. "I believe in less government, taxes and regulations. These principals will guide me in all my elected endeavors."