Latest news with #Steilen
Chicago Tribune
27-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
New Homer Township leadership pledges to reduce highway commissioner salary, review civic center costs
It's been about three months since the Homer Township Reset slate won the February Republican primary, ousting the incumbent administration, and the group is ready to get to work, Homer Township Supervisor Susanna Steilen said. Because the Reset party ran unopposed in the April 1 election and state law states most township officials assume their duties the third Monday of May, it's been a long wait, Steilen said. The Reset slate, which also includes Highway Commissioner John Robinson, Clerk Tami O'Brien, Collector Sara Palermo and Trustees Ken Marcin, Chris Sievers, Don Melody and Keith Gray, were sworn in May 19. The special meeting was mostly ceremonial as each elected candidate publicly took their oath of office with Judge Art Smigielski. Their first real business meeting will take place on June 9, when the slate wants to start making good on its promises, Steilen said. The Reset slate bested incumbent Supervisor Steve Balich, who also represents the area on the Will County Board, and his Freedom Caucus slate. The Freedom Caucus accused the Reset slate of being 'Republicans in name only' and courting the Democrat vote in the often contentious election season. Members of the Reset group said Balich and the incumbents were not respecting residents' viewpoints, chastised them during public meetings, fought with Homer Glen village officials and were not transparent. The Reset slate criticized the Balich administration for trying to sell open space land, moving forward with a civic center without resident input and hiring family members for full-time jobs. One of the first orders for the new administration will be to reduce the highway commissioner's role to part time, Steilen said. During the campaign, the Reset group said the township Highway Department is responsible for about 18 miles of road, and the commissioner shouldn't be entitled to a $61,000 full-time salary. A wage and benefit compensation resolution passed in 2020 stated if the road district's total responsibility drops below 20 miles, the commissioner's salary will be reduced to $15,000 annually without insurance or pension benefits. 'This is a part-time job; I will not take a full-time salary,' Robinson said. 'It's not fair to the people who pay taxes.' Steilen said her slate pledged open communication and transparency and that's how she plans to govern. 'I plan to be available,' Steilen said. 'We want to improve the communications. I do invite emails and phone calls. This is their township and we want to work with everyone.' Steilen and her team are analyzing the budget in preparation for a budget hearing in June. They are also deciding what to do with township-owned cars that were used by Balich and former Highway Commissioner Brent Porfilio, and whether they could be used by the Highway Department. Robinson said it was important for the prior administration to not declare the vehicles as surplus and get rid of them until they could be inspected. The vehicles will not be for township officials' personal use, Robinson said. Steilen said she wants to create committees to serve senior citizens, individuals with special needs and veterans and work on issues such as open space preservation and the new civic center. Residents interested in serving on the committees should contact her, she said. 'I'm even open to hearing if there's something we should have a committee for,' she said. 'I'm always open to new ideas. We want volunteers. We want all different groups represented because that's what our community is.' While Steilen has been only on the job for a week, she has already toured the controversial civic center and is starting to go through construction documents. Earlier in the year, Balich said he expected the center, which is being built on township owned land preserved for open space, to be open by May or June. Steilen said the $2.2 million multipurpose center on Trantina Farm, 15774 151st St., is nowhere near complete. 'There's a lot of work that needs to be done,' she said. The building, which some residents have said was not an appropriate use of open space, still needs interior work, light fixtures, a sprinkler system, parking lot improvements and landscaping, Steilen said. 'What we are doing right now is taking a look at what was actually contracted for, all that has been paid and has it been delivered and seeing what's left on any contracts that still needs be done,' she said. 'What is it going to take to finish this financially and are those funds there to do that?' Steilen said she wants to keep residents up to date on the civic center and other township business through monthly meetings, newsletters and emails. Steilen said she also wants to improve transportation options for senior citizens. 'It's been such a long wait,' she said. 'We are ready to go.' In the last four years, residents packed township meetings to protest some of Balich's initiatives. Residents objected to the administration's attempts to build homes on the Welter Farm and sell the Paul and Purdy Farms, which are all part of the open space program that was approved by voters. Some residents also said the township board exceeded its duties when it took a stance in the debate over abortion rights and designated the township a sanctuary for life community. Balich also drew attention when he flew the U.S. flag upside down at the township offices in the aftermath of President Donald Trump's guilty verdict last year. While many residents voiced their support for Balich's freedom of expression, other residents said he shouldn't use a public building to promote a personal political belief. Trustee Keith Gray said he knows residents will be watching the new board, and they expect members to work in their best interest. He said the new township board will post its agenda packets online for residents to follow along. Like Steilen, he promised transparency and improved communications with 'no drama' and 'no hidden agendas.' 'We don't look for fights; we look for solutions,' Gray said. 'We are there for a reason, which is to be the best stewards we can of the public's assets.' He said he knows during the Republican primary, some Democrats crossed over and voted for the Reset party. The Reset slate was endorsed by the Homer Township Democratic Organization, but they didn't solicit that endorsement. 'They were taking a shot at Balich because he was taking shots at them for four years,' Gray said. During the campaign, the Reset slate said its opponents were attempting to weaponize these endorsements. 'We will govern for everybody,' Gray said. 'We will govern for all residents of Homer Township.' Steilen, who was elected as a trustee to the Homer Glen Village Board in 2023, resigned from that position. 'I'm not going far, so it's not a total goodbye,' she said during a recent Village Board meeting. 'When I was elected I did plan on serving as a trustee for four years. I do like to honor my commitments. But I (feel) like I am still going to serve the community as a township supervisor.' Steilen said she has a good relationship with Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike and believes the township and village will work together toward the betterment of the community. She said she also had a nice conversation with Lockport Township Supervisor Alex Zapien. Neitzke-Troike said earlier this month she looks forward to working with Steilen. 'I will finally have that opportunity to work with the township and get things done and get things accomplished,' she said. Balich, who attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new administration, said he promised an orderly transition. He said his administration cut property taxes, increased services and built the civic center, securing a $500,000 federal grant for the project. When he lost the primary in February, he said he didn't want to start any new projects that would handcuff the incoming administration. He said if the new administration has a problem, they can call him. 'Do I want them to fail? I would have to pay more property taxes,' Balich said. 'I want them to be successful.'
Chicago Tribune
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
ReSet Party declares victory over incumbents in Homer Township Republican primary
The Homer Township Reset slate, a group of Republicans challenging the incumbent township administration, was leading by a large margin Tuesday night in the Homer Township Republican primary after all precincts reported, according to unofficial results. The Will County Freedom Caucus headed by incumbent Supervisor Steve Balich sought an additional four years, but the Homer Township Reset slate, said they wanted to change the tone of the community. The race was fueled by allegations the current administration divides the community, isn't transparent and hires family members of elected officials for full-time township jobs. Members of Homer Township Reset said the existing administration did not respect residents' viewpoints. Residents were chastised during public meetings, and the administration didn't listen to residents' concerns when they tried to sell open space property. The incumbents countered that the Reset group were 'Republicans in name only' or 'Democrats in disguise' after the group received support from the local township Democratic organization. The Freedom Caucus consisted of mostly incumbents seeking their second four-year term, including Balich for supervisor, Clerk Vicki Bozen, Assessor Carmen J. Maurella III, Highway Commissioner Brent Alan Porfilio, Collector Rose M. Fialko and Trustees Mike G. Bonomo, Mike W. Clausen and Angel Constance Shake. The sole newcomer was Dominic Joseph Pacella for trustee. Homer Glen Trustee Susanna Steilen headed the Homer Township Reset as a candidate for supervisor. Joining her were John Robinson for highway commissioner, Tami O'Brien for clerk, Sara Palermo for collector and Ken Marcin, Chris Sievers, Don Melody and Keith Gray for trustees. With all precincts reporting, the Will County election results show 59.44% for Steilen and 40.56% for Balich in the supervisor's race. For clerk, results show O'Brien with 58.3% and Bozen with 41.7%. 'People want good honest government,' Steilen said. 'I don't feel they were getting that. … We are going to have a good team. We are serious about serving the people.' Steilen said township residents turned out for the race, noting one polling place had nearly 1,000 voters Tuesday. 'We will stay to our word,' O'Brien said. 'We will do so much good for this community.' For highway commissioner, Robinson led 58.97% over Porfilio, who captured 41.03% of the vote, according to the unofficial totals. Collector candidate Palermo led with 61.19% over Fialko, who received about 38.81%. In the trustee race, the top four vote-getters were Sievers with 2,407 votes, Gray with 2,341 votes, Marcin with 2399 and Melody with 2,333. They were followed by Clausen with 1,613 votes, Bonomo with 1,609 votes, Pacella with 1,518, and Constance Shake with 1,501. 'People in Homer Township were sick of the negativity,' Melody said. He said the Reset slate put out informative articles about their platform on Facebook. At the end of the day, he said he believed residents appreciated the professionalism. 'People want to get back to treating each other kindly,' Melody said. Township Assessor Maurella ran unopposed. Balich said Monday his slate started the week with a prayer service and believed his slate did everything necessary to win. He touted endorsements by the chair of the Illinois Republican Party, the Will County Republican Central Committee and most Will County township organizations. 'We got huge support from everywhere,' Balich said. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday night. The Reset slate was endorsed by Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike. Construction of a $2.2 million civic center on Trantina Farm was one point of contention during the race. The Homer Township Reset slate accused the administration of failing to seek public input and not disclosing how the project would be funded before construction began. The 2020 referendum approved by voters asked to seek grants to pay for construction of a pole-barn type structure for Trantina Farm, which was previously bought using open space dollars. Critics of the project say only $500,000 in grants were procured before construction began. More grants will be required to pay for amenities such as a kitchen or a stage, Balich has said. The Reset slate was also interested in ending nepotism, noting that Balich's son, Bozen's sister and Shake's husband were full-time employees at the township. They also pushed for the township highway commissioner to be a part-time position as was stated in a 2020 resolution that stated the position would be part-time if the responsibilities were less than 20 miles. The Will County Freedom Caucus campaign accused the members of the Reset group for wanting to dissolve the township after Steilen voted last year to place a referendum on the ballot asking Homer Glen residents if they feel the village should pursue efforts to dissolve or discontinue township government to eliminate duplicative services and save taxpayer money. The Reset group said the power to dissolve a township resides with the Illinois General Assembly, and the slate members are not looking to dissolve the township. They said they are for limited government, transparency and fiscal responsibility. Will County Clerk Annette Parker said Tuesday evening that from the clerk's standpoint, the election went smoothy with ballots and judges. She said there were a few reports of electioneering outside polling places, which were handled. The Reset members will go onto the April 1 consolidated election, but no other candidates have filed.
Chicago Tribune
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Homer Township Reset slate challenges Freedom Caucus incumbents in Republican Primary
Homer Township Supervisor Steve Balich said his first-term highlights include completing necessary repairs using grants for the township-owned senior housing complex and building a $2.2 million civic center on Trantina Farm, which is part of the township's open space program. The administration has been able to accomplish its goals while cutting about $300,000 from the budget, and they have not raised taxes, Balich said. 'When have you ever heard of any government body cutting taxes every year and increasing services?' Balich said. Balich and his Will County Freedom Caucus slate are seeking reelection to various Homer Township offices this spring, but are challenged in the Feb. 25 Republican Primary by the Homer Township Reset slate led by Homer Glen Trustee Susanna Steilen. Steilen said Balich and his administration have caused rifts in the community. She said residents are chastised for speaking out and haven't had input into the administration's plans, citing the civic center and failed attempts to build houses on open space and sell open space. The Homer Township Reset slate is running on changing the tone of township government and treating residents with respect. Its platform includes improving transparency, preserving open space, collaborating with other local governments to avoid duplicative services and being fiscally responsible. 'I think what's really hurting is our community's reputation,' Steilen said. 'I don't see this current administration solving that or healing the community. I think that they are dividing the community.' The candidates The Freedom Caucus is made up of mostly incumbents seeking their second four-year term. Running are Balich for supervisor, Clerk Vicki Bozen, Assessor Carmen J. Maurella III, Highway Commissioner Brent Alan Porfilio, Collector Rose M. Fialko and Trustees Mike G. Bonomo, Mike W. Clausen and Angel Constance Shake. The sole newcomer is Dominic Joseph Pacella for trustee. Fialko, Clausen and Shake were not elected in 2021 but rather appointed during the last four years to fill vacancies. Trustee Ron Rivera is not seeking reelection. Balich said his team has background experience in project management and engineering, allowing the township to save money by not having to hire outside contractors. The slate members are active volunteers, he said. 'Every single one of them is highly qualified in the private sector. That's how we save so much money,' Balich said. 'We've got talent. We have good people. How do you find people like that?' Steilen heads the Homer Township Reset slate as a candidate for supervisor. Joining her are John Robinson for highway commissioner, Tami O'Brien for clerk, Sara Palermo for collector and Ken Marcin, Chris Sievers, Don Melody and Keith Gray for trustees. 'I believe that they have a sincere interest in putting the community first,' Steilen said. 'This is not about them. This is about the community and they really care about the community we live in. They have fine reputations. They are honest, caring people I am happy to be serving with.' Steilen said her slate hails from Homer Glen, Lockport and unincorporated Homer Township and has past government and volunteer experience. Gray is a Homer Township Fire Protection District Commission member and a former Homer Glen trustee. Robinson, the assistant public works director for Oak Forest, is the former coordinator of the Homer Glen Emergency Management Agency. Melody is the Homer Township GOP vice chairman and a former Homer Athletic Club board member. Last year, Balich asked for a recount in the precinct committeeperson race after O'Brien bested him by one vote. One ballot was tossed out because it wasn't initialed by an election judge, and Balich won the position via a lottery. Civic Center project Construction of the civic center has sparked controversy for the last several years. Steilen criticized the Balich administration for not engaging the community on the project before it was built or having a funding plan. 'To put up a civic center on open space property, which is controversial as it is and whether that is appropriate use of the property, they are spending public funds without getting public input,' Steilen said. 'They should have had buy-in from the public to take on this task.' Balich said the project resulted from the 2020 referendum, in which voters approved seeking grants for a multipurpose pole-barn style structure for educational, recreational and community events. The township received a $500,000 federal grant for infrastructure, and the center is expected to open in June with pickleball and space for seniors to play Bingo or practice yoga, Balich said. The township is waiting until it receives other grants for additional amenities such as a kitchen or a stage, Balich said. He said the civic center is centrally located and will include after-school programs and opportunities for individuals with special needs. Meetings have been held in the last two months on what residents want included in the civic center. The township is looking for grants, sponsorships or donations. Balich said the civic center will open without raising taxes, but declined to offer a funding plan. 'I don't want to say exactly how because I ain't going to give them any information on how they can do it; let them figure it out themselves,' Balich said. 'The bottom line is we're going to be able to pay for it without raising taxes. We've got it figured out.' He criticized Steilen for reporting the project to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency when it was receiving free clay fill for the foundation, claiming it cost the township about $125,000. Steilen said she didn't know how township officials could claim the fill wasn't contaminated since they didn't go through a permit process and questioned where they came up with the figure. Steilen said the Trantina Farm open space property has not been properly maintained in the last four years, and its silo is crumbling and playground is rusting. Nepotism Steilen said she would like to end nepotism and patronage hiring, noting three township employees are related to the current administration, including Balich's son, Bozen's sister and Shake's husband. 'Why are these officials hiring their family members to do work for the township, and were those jobs ever posted,' Steilen said. 'I don't see us hiring family members period.' Steilen said all job openings should be advertised to the public and the most qualified candidates should be hired. Balich said the people who work for the township are extremely qualified and trustworthy, adding he wouldn't be able to find other individuals who would work for the wages the township is paying. 'I didn't hire my son,' Balich said. '(Assessor) Carmen Maurella hired my son. That's a different division. But my son has a talent that was needed by them.' Trustee Shake's husband, Jim, is on 24-hour call and fixes issues within the senior housing complex, Balich said. 'He's working for basically peanuts,' Balich said. 'No complaints.' Homer Township Road District Steilen said her administration would eliminate taxpayer funded vehicles for township employees and reduce the highway commissioner to a part-time role. The Highway Department is responsible for roughly 18 miles of road. Steilen said she doesn't think the highway commissioner should take a full-time salary of about $61,000 a year for such few road miles. A wage and benefit compensation resolution passed in 2020 states if the township road district's total responsibility drops below 20 miles, the commissioner's salary will be reduced to $15,000 annually without insurance or pension benefits. 'He's collected $45,000 more per year than he's entitled to,' Steilen said. Balich said the highway commissioner received a part-time salary until the administration was threatened with a lawsuit by a downstate watchdog organization that claimed a highway commissioner is always on-call regardless of the number of miles, and therefore is a full-time position. Balich said Porfilio, who is an engineer with a construction certification from the Illinois Department of Transportation, has saved the township money and eliminated the need to have an outside engineering firm. Balich said Steilen is in favor of eliminating township government. Steilen, who voted in favor of a referendum proposal asking if Homer Glen should pursue leaving the township, said she is not out to dissolve the township, but would consider seeing if municipalities could service the unincorporated roads, eliminating the need for the road district. She said this would be more cost effective. She said it is a 'scare tactic' that her slate would force unincorporated areas into being annexed by a neighboring municipality. 'There's no way we would force anybody to annex,' Steilen said. Goals Balich said his administration has had several successes. The township leads regular senior programs where between 100 and 125 residents play Bingo. The administration also initiated a Senior Expo and Pet Fest and offered various holiday events. He said getting the civic center completed and creating programs is one of his main goals if reelected. Steilen said her group wants to ensure open space is preserved, noting residents voted to adopt the open space program to preserve its rural heritage. She said the administration was out-of-touch with residents' wishes when it tried to develop housing on the Welter Farm and sell the Paul and Purdy farms. Steilen said her group would get community input before taking on capital projects, and she wants to improve transparency by opening bids in public and posting board meeting packets online. Balich said the board began posting its meeting packets online in January, but denied it was related to the election. Rather, it was to reduce the number of Freedom of Information Act requests. Both slates have said they do not plan to raise taxes. Divisive politics One of the major themes from the campaigns is which party is more Republican. 'Our group is MAGA Republicans,' Balich said. 'We're part of the people that believe that America comes first.' Balich accused the Homer Township Reset slate of being 'Republican in name only' and said Democrats have been campaigning for his opponents. 'As Republicans I would have told (the Democratic Party) I don't want your endorsement, and that's a huge issue,' Balich said. 'You don't have Republicans being endorsed by Democrats and accepting it.' The reset slate said its opponents are trying to weaponize these endorsements by claiming they are 'Democrats in disguise.' Steilen said the slate has been lifelong Republicans with conservative principles of smaller government and fiscal responsibility. The reset slate released a statement saying the endorsements they received from Republicans, Democrats and Independents were not solicited, but rather reflected the broad support from the community. 'At the local level, partisan politics should take a back seat to serving the community,' the statement said. 'This race is not about scoring political points but about solving real problems for real people.' Homer Township includes Homer Glen and portions of Lockport, New Lenox and Lemont. Homer Township voters only have the option of a Republican primary. No other candidates filed to run for the April 1 election, so whoever wins the primary will likely be unopposed.
