North Cook News

Marilyn Smolenski said it is offensive that after taking the entire month of December off, the General Assembly was only scheduled to be in session for less than 20 days during the first quarter.

"When will we hold our representatives accountable for their actions or lack of action?” Smolenski, the Park Ridge Republican running against Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines), asked the North Cook News of the incumbent legislators who earn a $67,000 yearly salary. 

Seeking the 55th District seat, which covers parts of Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights and the Northwest Side of Chicago, Smolenski said many of the legislators are using this time to work on their own re-election campaigns instead of tackling tough issues such as Illinois' pension crisis or staggering workers' compensation costs.

“When I’m out speaking to residents, I hear their disappointment over how little Rep. Moylan has accomplished in his three terms," Smolenski, who owns Nickel and Lace, a women’s concealed bodywear holster brand, said. “He is a part of Springfield's Good Old Boys club.”

Smolenski, a board member of the Republican Women of Park Ridge, said Illinoisans deserve a representative who is willing to put in the time needed to properly serve the people of the district and who will push for real solutions rather than time off.

“We have families who struggle to make ends meet; they live paycheck to paycheck and can't afford to take time off,” Smolenski said. “Yet, legislators have scheduled the very minimal time in session. Where is the work ethic in Springfield? We need leaders who will put the people of Illinois first.”

She said if citizens want to see true economic turnaround in Illinois, setting the right goals and making structural reforms is a must.

“Springfield needs a change in culture,” Smolenski said. "The kick the can down the road approach hasn't worked, and we need to have serious conversation and action about reform."

She said Illinoisans need “new” legislators who will fight against the corrupt system in Springfield and bring transparency back to government rather than keep in the incumbents concerned with themselves.

“That's just not going to cut it,” Smolenski said.