Marilyn Smolenski’s campaign slogan, “Fighting for Our Families and Homes,” became official when she filed petitions to seek the House seat now held by Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines).
The Park Ridge Republican, who is running in the 55th House District, which covers parts of Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights and the Northwest Side of Chicago, had her parents at her side when she filed her petitions to run in the March primary.
“My parents drove all the way from Lafayette (Louisiana) to be with me for this process,” Smolenski told the North Cook News.
She also expressed her gratitude to volunteers on her Facebook page by posting, “Thank you to everyone who circulated and signed to help, I am greatly appreciative of your support! Now let’s get our state back on track.”
Before she filed her petitions, Smolenski, who owns Nickel and Lace, a women’s concealed bodywear holster brand, and also is a board member of the Republican Women of Park Ridge, said Oak Park Police Detective Ron Bongat would be her campaign's adviser on law enforcement.
Bongat is not her only ally. Smolenski had former lawmakers help her gain the thousands of signatures needed to file.
“My predecessors Mel Thillens, Dan Gott, and Susan Sweeney have all been instrumental in making those introductions happen,” Smolenski said. “I am excited to officially be on the ballot and ready to start working. For any residents who would like to join our team in helping this campaign be a success, please visit www.marilynforstaterep.com to sign up.”
Until the election, Smolenski said she intends to continue getting to know her district's constituents.
“I plan to run a strong boots-on-the-ground campaign by continuing to canvas neighborhoods and meet with community leaders,” Smolenski said, adding her passion to run is fueled by incumbents in Springfield not caring, specifically noting House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago). “They don't care about us, don't care about our families, our businesses or our future.”
Smolenski said the incumbents’ solution for any problem is to simply burden citizens with more taxes and regulation without reform.
“Residents of Illinois are being overtaxed and under-represented, and rather than being on the sidelines I wanted to get involved to help find resolutions,” Smolenski said. “I decided to seek candidacy in order to give the people of District 55 their voice back, they deserve a representative that has their best interest in mind.”
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