Chris Balkema

Chris Balkema earned a bachelor's degree from Taylor University in 1993 and a graduate degree from Bradley University. His career experience includes working in business management and serving as the Grundy County board chairman[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m pushing hard to create a business friendly environment in Illinois where large and small businesses can grow.

we need increase the Illinois gross domestic product by creating jobs in the state of Illinois. I am focusing on policies that will reverse the moving trucks and bring people back to our great state.

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?

1) property tax reductions2) electricity price reductionsReduce unnecessary government spending

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

creating a business friendly environment to attract and retain an excellent workforce in Illinois

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

After much prayer and discernment, my wife and I know that it is time for me to run for our Illinois State Senate Seat due to Tom Bennett’s retirement. I am so excited and optimistic about our future!

I will use my 30 years of Caterpillar experience, coupled with concrete results, as Grundy County Board Chairman, and turn this state around. We did it in Grundy County and I’ll do it in Springfield.

The difference between myself and the other 3 candidates is the reality that I have demonstrated results. I answered the call from the Grundy County residents and drove solutions as the board chairman.

As a result, our board flipped from a 12 to 6 Democratic majority to a 17 to 1 Republican majority.

We produced results by exposing the truth and the voters responded. This was done by standing firm, respecting every member and building an executable plan – all while not giving an inch on principle.

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?

Push Cost of Living Improvements – I led 4 straight years of county property tax reductions despite a torrent of unfunded Springfield mandates.

Oppose ALL Illegal Immigration – I only support the legal path for immigrants. We made Grundy County a Non-Sanctuary county and I will push this in Springfield.

Fervently Support our 2nd Amendment Right to Bear Arms – I put a gun rights question on the Grundy County ballot and it passed overwhelmingly!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1) Lowering the cost of living for residents

2) Closing the border to stop illegal immigration

3) Supporting our 2nd Amendment Rights

4) Standing for the unborn

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

Integrity, Servant minded. Focusing on the best interests of others.

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

Integrity, selflessness; goal of helping others

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

I will put the United States Constitution first in all that I do and say. I will work hard to get the state of Illinois' financial house in order. I will take care of my constituents to ensure that they have everything the need from the state government.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Integrity, selflessness; goal of helping others

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

The governor and state legislature need to get along very well and work for the best interests of the people.

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

Financial stability

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

yes. Serving on local school boards and county boards is extremely helpful.

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

Yes. We need to build trust with each other.

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

Ronald Regan

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

I am interested in getting elected as the Illinois State Senator representing the 53rd District.

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

If needed

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Bills to improve the financial condition of Illinois.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Illinois Family Institute

ISRA

A+ Rating

Citizens for Life

Illinois Realtors

Illinois Chamber of Commerce

CICI

Illinois Manufacturing Association

ABATE

Gary Bauer – Campaign for Working Families

What committees interest you?

Finance.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

We need to be 100% transparent with all finances and have the highest level of accountability.

Note: Balkema submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on February 19, 2024.

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January 11 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Chris Balkema graduated from Taylor University in 1993 with Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Systems and received an MBA from Bradley University in 2002. He went to work for Caterpillar, Inc in 1993 and has held multiple leadership positions in Logistics, Operations, Human Resources and Purchasing

Chris has served on the Minooka School Board and was elected to the Grundy County Board in 2010. Chris has served as the Grundy County Board Chairman since 2016. Chris has successfully led the effort to reduce the actual Tax Levy for 4 years in a row. He has improved efficiency throughout the county and improved customer services. Grundy County is one of the few counties that has seen an increase in population, while most other Illinois counties have lost population.

Chris continues to serve as Grundy County Board chairman and he is anxious to get to Springfield as the next State Senator from the 53rd district to drive positive change for Illinois.

Chris resides in Channahon, Illinois and is married with two adult children.

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?

Chris will drive tax reducitons at the state level just like he successfully did in Grundy County.Chris fervently supports the 2nd Amendment and will do everything possible to ensure these rights are restored and preservedChris is pro-life and stands strong for the unborn

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Tax reduction, Government efficiency Improvements, 2nd Amendment and Pro-Life

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

I learned the value of hard work as an employee in my grandfather's Lawn & Garden business.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

ABATE, Gary Bauer - Campaign for Working Families