About the Candidate

Name: Troy Hernandez

DOB: 1981

Family: Engaged

Occupation: Executive Architect/Data Scientist, IBM

Political Experience: Pilsen Academy Local School Council 2014-2018

Website: troyhernandez.com

Candidate Statement

My name is Troy Hernandez and I’m running for alderman of the 25th Ward because I love this city and I know it can be so much better.

I’ve lived here for 18 years. My family has been part of the community going back 90. I did my undergrad and graduate work at UIC, earning degrees in mathematics, philosophy, and game theory. In 2013 I earned my PhD in statistics, specializing in machine learning. For the last 5 years I’ve worked in Chicago’s tech industry as a data scientist. I currently work for IBM. I don’t need this job. It’s harder work and it pays less, but I feel compelled to serve.

In the summer of 2017, I served as an AI mentor for the NASA Frontier Development Lab using AI to help defend the planet from solar flares and asteroids.

Since 2016 I’ve helped organized the Chicago R User Group which is dedicated to spreading the love of the free statistical programming language R.

I served on the Pilsen Academy Local School Council for 4 years and worked tirelessly to replace the incompetent principal.

For the last 8 years I’ve volunteered my time doing environmental justice work in Pilsen.

We shut down coal plants.

We handed out 300 lead water filters to families affected by water meter installations and water main replacements. The mayor finally took notice and copied our program a few months ago.

I’ve worked with the EPA to investigate the 30 year old Sims metal shredder kiddie-corner from Juarez High School. Just a few weeks ago the EPA announced a comprehensive settlement to clean them up.

My research, experience, and analysis tells me that fixing Chicago’s corrupt political system must come first. The Machine gerrymanders the wards to divide and conquer our neighborhoods. Special interests finance political campaigns so that politicians can more effectively lie to us. Ballot access is restricted and elections are scheduled in the dead of winter to reduce competition.

If we can fix the political system in this city, it’ll make fixing the schools and roads and parks and pensions a whole lot easier. And then it’ll really be “The City that Works.”

If you agree then vote for me, Troy Hernandez, for Alderman of the 25th Ward.