North Cook News

Marilyn Smolenski wants voters to be honest with themselves in light of a recent Chief Executive’s 2018 “Best and Worst States for Business” report that for the fourth straight year ranks Illinois No. 48.

“The question everyone should ask is, have you had enough of (Marty) Moylan and his policies that are hurting you,” Smolenski, who is running against Moylan (D-Des Plaines) in House District 55, told North Cook News. “My opponent ... thinks things are going great. How else can we explain his decision to lead chants supporting (House Speaker) Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) while families are hurting, businesses are closing and workers are losing their jobs?”

The rankings place the struggling state ahead of only New York and California, while Texas ranked at the top, followed by Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Closer to home, Indiana ranked No. 5 and Michigan, up nine spots over last year, ranked No. 27.

Illinois House Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines)

“The fact that year after year we don't improve shows that Moylan isn't interested in changing the status quo; he is protecting it,” Smolenski said. “If you are one of the thousands of people who have had enough of the good old boys club in Springfield that protects itself at our expense, you should join our fight.”

A Park Ridge Republican and Women of Park Ridge board member, Smolenski has based her campaign on a slogan of “Fighting for Our Families and Homes.” Once in Springfield, she has vowed to make standing up to Madigan a top priority.

“If you want a government that you can trust, then you should come with us,” she said. “If you believe in a state where our families can live out their dreams, where our children can find jobs, and where seniors have the peace of mind that comes from stable communities and lower taxes, then join our movement.”

The 55th District includes Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights and Chicago's Northwest Side.