Meet Steve Balich Candidate for Homer Township Supervisor

My name is Steve Balich and I am a Candidate for Homer Township Supervisor. I have lived in Homer Township for 24 years and raised my three children here. My children attended District 92 Schools and Lockport Township High School. I have volunteered for the community with Homer Stallions, Homer Athletic Club and I also taught CCD at St. Dennis in Lockport. I Have an Associate degree in Business, and another in Early Childhood Development at Moraine Valley, went on to obtain my BA at St. Xavier University Minor in Elementary Education and Psychology. I the went to Governors State University where I had to stop 3 classes short for a Masters in Health Science/ Addicted Behavior.

My experience as a former Township Trustee as well as Township Clerk gives me a unique perspective on the role of Township Government today. I currently represent the Homer and Lockport communities on the Will County Board, where I have a dual role as Forest Preserve Commissioner. My knowledge as a Will County Board Member will be a huge asset for the Township. I have been involved with the Homer Township Republican Organization for many years, and was named Chair of the Committee in 2020. Under my leadership, our organization has more than tripled its membership. I have numerous accomplishments as a Will County Board Member here are some:

1. Part of the Republican Caucus lowering the tax rate while at the same time building a New Public Safety Building, Court House, Health Department, and starting a program to replace squad cars on a yearly basis.

2. Stopped code violations initiated by aerial Photos. Code violations are now complaint driven.

3. Stopped mandatory sprinkler systems from being required in all homes.

4. Passed a Resolution allowing the Court to return your money for towing, storage, and administration if not guilty in court.

5. Stopped the County from putting raised barriers on 143rd St.

6.Stopped light ordinance that had no measurements relying on the opinion of Code officers as to what is a nuisance.

7. Successfully argued the change in the rule that code inspectors can only inspect what a permit was written for. They do not have the right to write violations for other items out of code. They can only inspect what the permit is for.

8. Worked with Lockport to move barricades north of Gougar and 147th, allowing for cars to cut through like the past from 151st over to Lemont Rd./State via 147th. A signal was placed at Gougar and 143rd.

9. Worked to get the light at RT. 6 and Parker.

10. Stopped Will county Land Use from initiating a rental inspection program targeting 17,000 plus landlords based on HUD guidelines. Will County never adopted HUD guidelines.

11. Stopped requiring a building permit for some minor repair and maintenance items on your property.

I did not sign up for the County Board Pension and along with Mike Fricilone led the effort to remove the ability for any County Board Member to take the Pension. I will not take the pension for Township Supervisor. As an elected official I have stood against tax increases and excessive regulation. I have a good working relationship with New Lenox, Lockport, Lemont, Orland Park, Palos, and Joliet which can help address regional issues.

The Township provides important services. I believe that there should be consolidation wherever possible if there is no increase in taxes or decrease in service. The seniors, youth, and special needs people needs services are important services provided by the Township. Proper property assessments and road services are also extremely critical.

We as elected officials are responsible to be fiscally prudent in all spending and keeping tax increases to a minimum or none. In the case of the Township I will cut the tax dollars not just the rate giving an absolute reduction in property tax even if the assessed value increases. Unlike the current group, we will video tape the meetings, and put them on our website. We will have no purchases over $50 without comparable pricing. All Contracts will go to bid or request for price. We need to make sure we are spending the taxpayers money like it was our own. Unlike the Current Board, we need to make sure we properly maintain all our property. We will rebate Extra taxpayer money in Township funds.