Will County Gazette

Will County Board Commissioner Steve Balich (R-Homer Glen) recently responded to the rioting, looting and unrest that is taking place throughout the United States.

After George Floyd's death, the country has witnessed events such as a police precinct being burned down, businesses damaged, and people walking out of stores stealing plasma screen TV's, as the fight for racial justice continues. For Balich, he doesn't see the positive outcome for such actions.

"There is no circumstance where riots, arson and or looting is a positive thing," Balich told the Will County Gazette. "However, peaceful protest is a positive expression of citizens upset with something. The people who own the business (that's being) destroyed or looted no matter what race, religion, or any other identity are the victims of the current riots, destruction, and injuries."

Leader's like Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have stressed that buildings destroyed are just brick and mortar and some have even pointed out that "racial identity and property are deeply interrelated concepts," the JSTOR reported, with racial identity evolving from a form of property, which is why some target the heart of businesses. Despite the history behind looting, Balich holds firm and remains empathetic to business owners sustaining significant losses.

"These business owners lose their life's investment since insurance will not cover everything that is lost. People who break the law should be locked up, not arrested, and let go," Balich said. "Will a business destroyed by riots ever re-open? Will the government that let arrested rioters go with no consequence tell those thinking of re-opening or a new business don't worry about it? In some cases, a destroyed business still pays property tax at the same rate for a destroyed property. Why should any business think the government is going to protect them?" Balich said.

Before being elected to the Board, Balich was a truck driver for 20 years, followed by holding a real estate broker's license and retirement sales. He then served as the Homer Township Clerk for four years and a trustee for eight years. He is currently working on his master's degree in health science from Governor's State University while serving District 7.