Campaign Suspended

Today I’m suspending my campaign for Democratic Committeeman of the 25th Ward. It appears that, due to my current pace of signature collection and the incoming snow storm during this important signature collecting weekend, I will be unable to collect the required number of signatures.

You miss 100% of the shots you never take.

• Michael Jordan

While I’m disappointed that the pace of signature collection hasn’t been fast enough to get over the obscene hurdle of 387 valid signatures for this unpaid office, the process hasn’t been for nothing. I’ve gotten out and talked to thousands of residents in the neighborhood, most of whom didn’t know this position even existed. I’ve met dozens of neighborhood activists, organizers, young professionals, and small business owners. I’ve also learned a bit more about setting up and running a political campaign.

Getting over the hurdle of 387 signatures in a few short weeks was always a long shot, but as Michael Jordan says, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” The Machine has made access to the ballot purposefully difficult. This is a common tactic of anti-democratic regimes:

https://youtu.be/CgAcGuxy-yo?t=17m

At this point in my life and career, I don’t have the resources available that are requisite for this process. I’ve given what I can of my free time, but I have prior obligations to which I should re-focus my attention. These obligations include my family, my friends, my career, the Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization (PERRO), and especially right now, Pilsen Academy’s Local School Council.

Thank you to all those who volunteered their time to support me and to all those who took the time to sign my petition. Enjoy the snow, enjoy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the holidays! I’ll see you around town!

Sincerely,

Troy Hernandez, PhD

ps: One more Jordan quote…