Charlie Helmick

Charlie Helmick was born in Washington, Iowa. Helmick served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1980 to 1984. His career experience includes working as an insurance executive, truck driver, union carpenter, warehouse manager, licensed insurance agent, and route manager for FedEx. As of 2024, Helmick was affiliated with the National Rifle Association and the American Legion.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a disabled United States Marine veteran, former Law Enforcement Officer, Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, and father to 5 Children, and 7 Grandchildren. Married to my first girlfriend for over 35 years. Business owner and licensed Insurance agent alongside my wife. I'm a union republican having been in 4 unions in my life, Carpenters union, Law Enforcement Union, Truck Driver Teamster, and even Commercial Food Workers. I spent nearly 30 years as a Federal Express route manager and operated a small jewelry store my wife always wanted. Current member of the NRA and American Legion. My wife and I are active members of our community in good standing. We have restored two condemned buildings in our home town and are currently active business as a result. I love my family, home, state and country!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Most important " People are the Job" ,A Representative is elected for the people, not the party! My job is to listen to the needs of those who elected me with the faith I will do what is best for them. I Will!The rights of the people will always out weigh the wants of the government. I will fight to ensure the people always have a voice and not simply a side note to my desires or ideas.One reason I decided to get involved was that I was tired of not being represented. I have called to ask for assistance from "elected officials" and been told, "that's not what the representative does". This will never , ever happen in my office! The request my be outside of my expertise or duty but I will do something to help.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public safety is becoming an increasing issue with the people in my district. Due to the influx of undocumented people flooding into the state. Crime is on the rise in all areas and we must act to secure our neighborhoods. I have several ideas and want to work with police departments. Our economy is another area that needs immediate attention, we have the second highest property taxes in the nation, high gas prices, the costs of heating and cooling your home, and the gut punch you get at the grocery store. The mismanaged state budget since 1982 is to blame.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

When my father passed away his best friend gave his eulogy. He said of my father that "he was a straight shooter and an honest man". This is the legacy that I have and do strive to achieve. I want this said of me one day.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

John Wayne did a recording called "America, why I love her". It is only about 3:10 seconds but it is powerful.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An official must be honest and elected for the reason of serving. The people must always be the guiding principle for every decision made in office. The election of officials has always been an honor, privilege, and duty of every citizen. It was never meant to be a lifelong commitment as it has become. Once an elected person starts to put their party or personal agenda above that of the people it is time to replace that person.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe you must be a good listener, people need to know that you care. Their needs are the most important you can be dealing with. Honest and forthright in all of the things in your life. Trustworthy in all matters that are placed before you. Loyal to the men and women who place their lives and well-being to you. I'm curious and ask questions to better aid those in need and kind when a hand is needed. The Marine in me will not be taken advantage of and will stand my ground.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Simply as I have stated before, "The People" is the only job of an elected official. The Constitution says it best, the purpose of government is to establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. If an official sticks to this every time all the time then he or she is doing their job!

What legacy would you like to leave?

To be known as a Straight shooter and an honest man!

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

It was a big deal, I was only 5 or so but we all gathered around the television to see the moon landing.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a dishwasher, pizza maker, and busboy for a small restaurant. My stepmother got me a job so I could earn the money to buy my first car. That was a 1969 Mercury Cougar for $500.00. I liked the job but loved the car! Stayed there for about a year as I remember.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I enjoy Westerns and tales of the old West. I guess because my father did as well. Louis L'Amour could tell a tale.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Sherlock Holmes

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Burning Love, Elvis Presley

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

When I think of those who are in need and not being able to do anything to help. I have been there, in need and there was no one to extend a hand to me. I will be that hand, out reached.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Same as the President of the United States. No more no less.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Make Illinois a place where families and new businesses want to be. Until we stop the agenda-driven politics that rule the state's representatives we have an uphill fight.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think not, an understanding of civics and some in business would help. I think that not having any preconceived ideas would help define an official.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

I believe there must be a civil understanding in any workplace. Working with and mutual respect are crucial to making ideas work. Just as long as it does not infer my own work ethics.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

none, I'm my own man and will be responsible for myself.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Possibly if I'm unable to sufficiently help the people who put their faith in me at the state level.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Oh many, many stories. People open up when they really believe that you care. So many tales of struggle and survival to warm the heart. one comes to mind of a Cambodian teen who's father was arrested, the family jail. They escape and are almost killed by the people who were transporting them across the border, to make it to a point of entry in America. Now very successful business owners.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Even the current executive powers granted to the

The governor need to be limited only to the time of emergency as granted by the legislature.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The limiting of any donations to any current or campaigning judicial candidates in the State of Illinois. No sitting elected official may donate more than $5000.00 to any elected or campaigning judicial persons.

What committees interest you?

I'm a disabled veteran so naturally any committee that deals with veterans. Also Law Enforcement and the security of our state. I'm a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau so farmers and agriculture or foremost on my mind. Schools and parents rights.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

You don't have to be a Political scientists to realize that what has become known as "pork", gets added to almost every piece of legislation. The result is spending added to a piece of legislation that balloons out of size doubling or even tripling costs. The people never see the true piece of legislation as a result. In most cases a bill will have items added to say a road replacement bill that includes money for a state agency. This must all be read and accessible to the people so their representative and be made aware of their opinions.

Charlie Helmick did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.