George Cardenas is currently in his fifth term as Alderman of the 12th Ward, which consists of portions of Little Village, Brighton Park, and McKinley Park. Alderman Cardenas is the Deputy Floor Leader of City Council, Chair of the Environmental Protection and Energy Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights. His Committee memberships include Budget and Government Operations; Committees and Rules; Contracting Oversight and Equity; Economic, Capital and Technology Development; Finance; License and Consumer Protection; Pedestrian and Traffic Safety; and the Special Legislative Committee on the Census. Alderman Cardenas is also an appointed member of the Cook County Environmental Commission.
As Alderman, George Cardenas is committed to improving the quality of life for every resident of the 12th Ward. His top priorities include improving educational opportunities for children, reducing crime, bringing real economic development and job opportunities into the 12th Ward, and providing the highest level of city services possible.
As a young child, Cardenas and his family came to Chicago in search of the American Dream after emigrating from Durango, Mexico. After graduating from Lane Technical High School in 1984, Cardenas joined the United States Navy to help pay for his education. After earning an honorable discharge, George successfully earned an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Northeastern Illinois University. Before joining government, Cardenas accumulated over a decade of experience working for Fortune 500 companies. This background gives him valuable insight into the needs of the community and a desire to be a voice for positive change for the area.
As an entrepreneur, Cardenas understands that we need government to be run with a business approach. From providing top-quality constituent service to looking for ways to streamline government, Cardenas brings his business background into the decision-making process of our City Council.
Alderman George Cardenas, who was raised in Little Village and lived there for over 25 years, currently resides in McKinley Park with his family.
For more information visit: https://cardenasforcook.com/
