Mike Smiddy, Democratic candidate for state representative of the 71st District, which includes Whiteside County, spoke at the monthly meeting of the Rock River Open Forum on Sept. 6 at the Sterling Public Library.

Smiddy has an extensive understanding of the Illinois political process. He is 39 years old and shares his life with his wife, Deb, and their two young sons, Logan and Ian, in nearby Hillsdale, not far from where he grew up.

Mike learned a great deal from his 8 years of work for Congressman Lane Evans. In his job, he particularly helped common folks voice their concerns. He learned that the primary task of a legislator is to be an advocate for regular people.