North Cook News

Marilyn Smolenski wants to know where the accountability is for disgusting behavior and misuse of power in Illinois.

Responding to the recent report by Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter regarding allegations that Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) sexually harassed legislation activist Denise Rotheimer, Smolenski told the North Cook News that Porter’s portrayal of the senator’s conduct as “unbecoming” but not sexual harassment is just not unacceptable.

“For three years, dozens of complaints against state legislators were swept under the rug,” Smolenski, the Park Ridge Republican running for the seat held by Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines), said. “Now, (House Speaker Mike) Madigan-appointed Inspector General Julie Porter has determined Sen. Ira Silverstein behaved in a manner ‘unbecoming of a legislator' but did not engage in sexual harassment.”

Smolenski, who owns Nickel and Lace, a women’s concealed bodywear holster brand, said this decision shows the culture in Springfield is to protect the perpetrator.

“I hope this incident doesn’t deter others who feel as though they’ve been victimized or harassed from coming forward,” Smolenski said. “We need leaders who will stand up to end this type of behavior instead of accepting it as merely ‘unprofessional.’”

Smolenski, a board member of the Republican Women of Park Ridge, said in December that citizens called upon Springfield leaders and the inspector general to release the names of the accused from the 27 complaints, while also maintaining the anonymity of those who submitted their reports, but have only been informed of the Silverstein case to date.

“The culture in Springfield seemingly gives offenders a free pass to continue on with their conduct,” Smolenski said. “They are protecting themselves with silence.”

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 she calls for eliminating the convenient means of hiding, and burying, sexual harassment cases.

“With the impending March primary, citizens deserve a right to know exactly who they are voting for,” Smolenski said. “We need awareness and transparency to move forward and make the changes needed.”