House District 55: Moylan

Two years ago, we endorsed Marty J. Moylan for the state legislature, impressed that in three and a half short years as Des Plaines mayor he pushed through painful cuts in the city budget and helped the city amass $18 million in fund balances.

Today we endorse him again, over Mel Thillens, a very successful businessman and member of the Park Ridge Park District board.

But it's not an easy call. Moylan, a Democrat, had an active freshman term, notably getting anti-hazing legislation passed in the wake of the mess at Maine West High School. He broke with his party on the income tax increase, and opposes its extension. Unlike Mike Madigan, he has no interest in transferring pension debt to his suburban school districts.

Thillens, meanwhile, is a socially moderate Republican whose plans to bring his impressive business credentials to bear in government are not unlike Bruce Rauner's, if on a smaller scale. He has much to offer.

Still, former municipal leaders tend to do well in Springfield, as they bring their suburb-focused sensibilities with them. Moylan has been that kind of representative and, therefore, he wins our endorsement.