In mid-September, we emailed all candidates running for countywide and local seats in the November elections in Lake and Cook counties. We asked them to answer four main questions we believe matter to voters. Candidates who did not respond are not included here.
We received one additional response to the questionnaire sent out to candidates running in the 2026 election cycle. Part 1 was published October 9th and Part 2 was published October 16th in the Northshore Journal. If you missed it, you can read more at www.northshorejournal.co.
Tell us who you are, the office you seek, your current occupation, relevant public service or community involvement, and educational background.
My name is Joe Baltich, and I am the incumbent County Commissioner for District 1 seeking re-election to the seat. I have spent the past 3 years working hard as commissioner for Lake County. I hold a BA in Business (UMD), have run my own business in Fall Lake Township for four decades, and am a former Mayor of Ely. I have a proven, dedicated service record to the entirety of Lake County. I am working towards better lives across both my entire district and the county.
What core values, leadership style, and personal character traits will guide your decision-making when representing the people of our community?
I am determined to bring representation to my entire District 1, and then to all of Lake County. Given my district/county size, this is no small task, but I put in the time and show up consistently. I have now driven thousands of miles and hours of time to attend seemingly countless meetings in and out of the county and at the state capitol. It’s important to develop political contacts and connections while hearing concerns/ issues that affect our very real people. While I enjoy levity, I take this job very seriously because the decisions I make always affect somebody. My core tenet is that if presented with evidence, data, or proof, I am not afraid to change my mind.
What do you see as the top issues facing your community over the next term, and what concrete steps will you take to address them?
Certainly, the biggest current issue is helium industry development. We have rising costs in the county, but incomes don’t match those costs. Meanwhile, we still need to provide state-mandated and other services to our populace who have paid taxes all their lives. As a county, we need to produce something that will lessen the blow to our populace for whom a rising tax burden is proving arduous. Helium development is one place to start, and I remain deeply committed to that mission. We also need to address mandated, unfunded HHS programs and provide for mental health services. Improving job opportunities in the county via careful industry planning and development is a proven, positive contributor to overall mental wellness. Other “must-haves” that need our constant attention are EMS and law enforcement. All these areas should improve with our careful fostering and planning in the development of future private industry.
Why are you running for this specific office now, and what sets your vision for our local community apart?
I’m running for re-election to the District 1 commissioner’s seat because I feel that I am currently contributing good value, am very committed to improving as many of our conditions as possible, and I bring a diverse and well-supported set of qualifications to the county board. At the risk of sounding cliché, I have never been one to stand around wishing “somebody would do something”. I’ve always welcomed the role of “somebody” when appropriate. I’m contributing my best knowledge, experience, commitment, and ability to learn, adapt, and lead. I intend to continue doing so for another four years.
