SURGING BALKEMA GRASSROOTS VOLUNTEERS REACH 12,000 HOMES IN THIRD SNOWIEST WINTER ON RECORD

March 14, 2014 | Joliet, IL -- Despite the coldest and snowiest winter to hit Chicago in three decades, there has been an organic grassroots –or in the case of Illinois, a “prairie-roots”-- movement quietly growing since November. It’s coming from residents in the Illinois 11th Congressional District, spanning from Naperville in the north, Joliet in the south, Aurora in the west and Burr Ridge in the east.

Over 100 volunteers –from as young as 18 years old to as senior as 75-- have trekked through ice and snow to walk precincts, to reach over 12,000 households, to engage citizens, to distribute fliers and to place yard signs in support of the man in whom they have complete confidence to change the way Congress does business: Chris Balkema.

“Once in a while you see an organic movement around a candidate that goes far beyond the typical campaign. That is what is happening with Chris,” reports Debbie Kraulidis, Campaign Manager for “Balkema for Congress.”

“With less than a week to go, requests are still pouring in from residents who want to walk their precinct and spread the word. We’ve been amazed and inspired with the level of commitment from people.”

That level of commitment can be seen after a day’s work from volunteers Dana Howard and John Ullrich of Naperville. “

“A volunteer is one who offers their service of their own free will. That’s what the dictionary says,” began Howard. “But I think this is more than that. It is a belief in something or someone that will change what is not right. That is why we worked for over three hours in 3-degrees below zero temps, hanging 265 door hangers.”

The Chicago Tribune reported this winter the third snowiest on record, with a total of 79.1 inches.

Adds Ullrich: “And then we pounded 12-inch long landscape spikes to break through the frozen ground so we could place yard signs. We believe in what Chris stands for: freedom.”

After listening to the 42-year old Balkema speak at several events, it’s clear the “freedom” Howard and Ullrich refer to is freedom from the skyrocketing $17-trillion federal debt, and the increasing tax burdens, regulations and imposition of Obamacare (“The Affordable Care Act”) on a citizenry that is growing increasingly weary and angered by it all.

“Balkema will go to DC to do the right thing. He’ll bring about change that is good for families and taxpayers. We trust Chris to cut spending, reduce tax burdens for families and encourage business growth. I have seen him at work on our local school board and county board. I’m grateful for his leadership and problem-solving abilities,” offered Joe Warning from Channahon.

Warning’s wife, Debbie, adds: “ Chris is an honest and sincere man who will serve us well! Cold weather and the business of life did not stop those who know what a good leader Chris is, and how much we need him in Congress.”

The current Congressman is Democrat Bill Foster, age 58, who voted repeatedly for increased federal government spending, including the nearly $850-trillion “stimulus” bill in 2009, and Obamacare in 2010. Foster told The Chicago Tribune in 2012: “I’m proud of my vote, and I would be proud to do it again.”

Balkema is determined to lead the initiative to not just repeal Obamacare, but to replace it with tested free market solutions, including allowing citizens to buy insurance across state lines, thereby driving down costs.

 That bold contrast with Foster is what inspired Plainfield resident Dale Fontana to endure frigid weather conditions in support of Balkema.

 “I have walked my precinct to talk to as many folks as possible to emphasize the extraordinary opportunity we, as frustrated voters, have in making a real constructive change. I have explained that Chris Balkema is a solutions-oriented, principled, Constitutional conservative who is much different than what we have been used to. And that he’s a real quality challenger to oppose Foster instead of the usual ‘bought and paid for’ insider who will capitulate and leave the Progressives unchallenged.”

As an “outsider conservative, he’s the fresh blood” the 11th District needs, concluded Fontana.

The 11th Congressional District includes the towns of Aurora, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, Joliet, Lisle, Lockport, Naperville, New Lenox, Oswego, Plainfield, Romeoville, Shorewood.

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 Chris Balkema is a 20 year veteran of Caterpillar, serves on the Grundy County Board, and previously served the Minooka County School Board District 111.  Chris earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Systems from Taylor University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Bradley University. He is married to Jill, his wife of 15 years. They have two small children.

www.balkema.org    /  Facebook: BalkemaForcongress   /   Twitter: @chrisbalkema