Stephen J. Balich

Stephen J. Balich

Stephen J. Balich is a dedicated public servant committed to conservative principles. He serves as Township Supervisor, Will County Board Member, and Chair of the Will County Freedom Caucus. Stephen stands against increased taxes, excessive regulation, and the expansion of government. His unwavering focus is on providing increased services while lowering taxes.

Will County Accomplishments

  • Member of the Will County Board Republican Caucus that lowered the existing tax rate while simultaneously approving the construction of a new Public Safety Building, Courthouse, Health Department headquarters, and initiating a program to replace Will County Sheriff squad cars annually.
  • Consistent voting "No" to all tax increases.
  • Prevented mandatory sprinkler systems from being required in all homes.
  • Passed a Resolution allowing the Court to return money for towing, storage, and administration if found not guilty in court.
  • Stopped the County from installing raised median barriers in the initial phase of the 143rd St. reconstruction and is currently suing the County to prevent the proposed 5 lanes with sound barriers. Homer Township recognizes that this expansion would negatively impact the community.
  • Collaborated with Lockport to remove barricades north of Gougar and 147th, allowing cars to travel through as in the past from 151st to Lemont Rd./State via 147th. A signal was eventually placed at Gougar and 143rd.
  • Worked to secure a signal light at RT. 6 and Parker.
  • Prevented a lighting ordinance that lacked specific measurements and parameters to define a nuisance.
  • Stopped Will County Land Use from implementing a rental inspection program targeting over 17,000 landlords based on HUD guidelines, which Will County never adopted.
  • Eliminated code violations initiated by aerial photos. Code violations at the County are now complaint-driven.
  • Advocated for code inspectors to only inspect items for which a permit was issued, preventing them from issuing violations for other out-of-code items.
  • Eliminated the need for a building permit for various minor repair and maintenance items, including:
    • Replacement of damaged siding for 100 sq. ft. or less.
    • Replacement or repair of 100 sq. ft. or less of shingles on a leaking roof.
    • Replacement of gutters.
    • Pools capable of holding water twenty-four inches high or less (unless there is associated electrical).
    • Replacement of bad deck boards on a deck, including stairs.
    • Repair or replacement of a garage door in the same opening.
    • Replacement or repair of any lighting fixtures that do not require re-wiring.
    • Repair or replacement of ducts.
    • Repair or replacement of range hoods, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, or refrigerators.
  • Voted against allowing County Board Elected Officials to take the IMRF Pension. Since joining the Will County Board, there have been no pay raises for County Elected Officials, and County Board member Pensions were eliminated. Stephen never took the Pension, despite it being an afforded benefit.
  • Continues to fight against tax increases, excessive regulation, and expanding the size of government.
  • Led the effort to make Will County the third county in Illinois to request legalization for concealed carry. Brought forward a past Resolution making Will County a Sanctuary County for guns. Initiated the Resolution making Homer Township a Sanctuary Township for the 2nd Amendment.
  • Opposed the adoption of the initial Will County Gas Tax.
  • Wrote and presented the Resolution that is now moving forward the Landfill Expansion.

Homer Township Accomplishments

  • Lowered the property tax levy by approximately 20% within the first seven months as Township Supervisor.
  • Implemented a tax freeze each year after cutting 20% of the levy dollars, resulting in a decrease in property taxes. The Road Commissioner has also cut dollars each year.
  • Implemented video recording of Township Board Meetings, fulfilling the promise of true transparency, something the former Supervisor refused to do.
  • Initiated the Resolution making Homer Township a Sanctuary Township for Life and the 2nd Amendment.
  • Worked with HUD and Will County to obtain a grant from CBDG to repair the 30-unit Senior Center and received an ARPA grant for the Civic Center to cover well, septic, and plumbing.
  • Collaborated with Will County to secure a $138,000 ARPA grant for the Senior Center.
  • Annexed the Trantina Farm to Homer Glen in exchange for a permanent liquor license running with the land and no fees for any permits or variances for the Civic Center.
  • Initiated talks with the Metropolitan Sanitary District to connect property on 159th West of Parker to their sewer treatment plant. These efforts were no longer viable after the Village of Homer Glen purchased the Boo Property to build a Village Treatment plant.
  • Combined the Road District employees with Township maintenance employees, eliminating the need for replacement hires.
  • Attempted to develop a senior project consisting of 2 or 3 bedroom ranch homes with a 2-car garage and 2 bathrooms (approximately 1200 to 1400 sq. ft.). No children would have been allowed, renting would not be permitted, and owners would have to be 55 or older. This would have been written into the deed and covenant, with Homer Township residents receiving preference. Every taxing body would have received substantial property tax dollars with little to no impact. The Township would have been in a position to eliminate its property tax levy. The property was zoned E-1 and did not qualify as open space. Residents were falsely informed that the Township was bringing in Section 8 housing, which was the opposite of the plan, as these homes, costing $200,000 to $250,000, would have counted as low income. Since renting was not allowed, Section 8 would never have been implemented. The builder, anticipating lawsuits, raised the cost per home, ultimately killing the project.
  • The Civic Center, planned since 2021, is finally moving forward. After months of seeking approval from Homer Glen, their postponements finally ended, and construction has begun.
  • There will be no increase in taxes. The Dog Park will not be converted into a parking lot. The Bar and the tot lot will remain untouched.