North Cook News

Republican candidate Marilyn Smolenski has had enough of the rhetoric she hears coming from Springfield politicians.

“Words won’t lower our property taxes,” Smolenski, running against Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) in the 55th District, said in a recent press release. “Words won’t change our pension system. Words aren’t going to bring principle to our leadership, but actions will. Today I pledge to refuse a taxpayer-funded pension because I am going to Springfield to fight for you.”

In highlighting her personal commitment, Smolenski noted that Moylan's tenure has taken on quite a different tone.

Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines)

Illinois Policy Institute reports the veteran lawmaker ranks near the top of politicians taking the most money from longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) over the course of their political careers at $981,242.

“Illinois’ pension systems are some of the worst-funded in the nation and are the largest driver of higher property taxes,” Smolenski said. “Moylan has received over $981,000 from Speaker Madigan and has protected Madigan even while property taxes continue to spike and the pension crisis deepens.”

While blasting Moylan as out of touch with his constituents throughout her campaign, Smolenski said she doesn’t receive funding from Gov. Bruce Rauner, J.B. Pritzker or Madigan.

“I’m running because the politicians don’t care about us,” she said. “They are more interested in protecting their own pensions than passing reforms to lower property taxes. My opponent has failed to lower property taxes, failed to reform pensions, and failed to act as a check on Mike Madigan and the corrupt political culture. Now Moylan is proudly running on his record of lies and distractions and hoping you won’t notice.”

The 55th District includes parts of Des Plaines, Park Ridge and Elk Grove Village.