Democrat Belt to seek candidacy for Illinois 57th Senate seat
CAHOKIA – Democrat Christopher Belt is announcing his candidacy for the Illinois 57th Senate district.
Belt is a Cahokia resident, Cahokia Unit School District 187 Board president, precinct committeeman of Centreville 5, published author, and an 18-year law enforcement veteran.
He’ll be seeking the office now held by Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville, who has announced he is not running for re-election.
“As president of Cahokia Unit School District #187 for the last two years, I know firsthand the struggles of trying to operate a school district that provides a quality education to all of its students when the district does not receive adequate funding from the state. It is virtually impossible to do so,” Belt said in a statement released this weekend.
Belt pledged to fight on behalf of the residents who comprise the 57th Senate district relative to the following issues:
• Quality education that is funded fairly
• Safe neighborhoods and communities
• Dependable family sustaining jobs
• Access to affordable and exceptional healthcare
Belt believes there is a war being waged on the middle class in our state. “I want to go to Springfield to represent these issues for my community and I am prepared to work hard and work with integrity to build relationships across the aisle in the hopes of creating a more vigorous local economy that will create a stronger and vibrant Illinois,” Belt said.
Belt has a strong background in law enforcement and organized labor. Belt spent 16 years in St. Clair County Probation and Detention and two years with the state of Illinois as the Regional Deputy Administrator of Aftercare (formerly Juvenile parole) for the Central and Southern Regions of Illinois. Belt believes in the role of law enforcement and maintaining safe neighborhoods and communities for our citizens. Belt grew up in a union household, his father owned a construction company and his brothers were all proud unions members. Belt’s sister is a 27-year member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Belt strongly believes we cannot allow the current governor and his allies to have their way by turning Illinois into a right to work state.
Belt’s passion for quality and affordable healthcare for all Illinoisans is personal. “I know all too well the burden of being saddled with the cost of medical bills due to illness. Seven years ago, I was blessed to receive a kidney transplant; however, prior to the transplant, I did a year on dialysis. And while dialysis was necessary for me, it was devastating financially. No one should have to choose between lifesaving health care and keeping their family afloat. We have a moral obligation to demand better for the people of the state of Illinois.”
Belt lives in Cahokia with his family. In his spare time, Belt is a children’s author who has published a character/safety education book, “The Adventures of Nate the Gnat.”
