The event opened with a warm welcome from Master of Ceremonies Anthony Grazzini, followed by remarks from Town Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias. She expressed gratitude to the many attendees, from students to family members, and offered special congratulations to all the newly re-elected officials.

Town Assessor Emo Cundari reflected on President Dominick’s first campaign in 2005 and praised his leadership over the past two decades. “When Larry came into office, Cicero faced serious challenges — crime, graffiti, and public safety issues,” said Cundari. “But he built a strong team, and together they turned things around.”

Following the national anthem and a powerful invocation by Town Chaplain Ismael Vargas, attendees viewed a commemorative video highlighting Dominick’s 20 years of service. The video, produced by NCTV’s Steve Kallevik, showcased the sweeping transformation of Cicero during Dominick’s leadership — from improved public safety and infrastructure to the development of parks, community spaces, and enhanced services for seniors. Other accomplishments include the opening of many new businesses, specifically Breakthru Beverage Group–formerly Wirtz Beverage–and the Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink, the Amazon warehouse, Walmart, Golden Corral, Hoots, Sonic Drive-Thru, and Portillos. He has also been instrumental in opening new parks and renovating buildings, such as the Public Works campus on Laramie, the Safety Town park near the PSO Building, and Waggin’ Tails Animal Shelter with the adjoining park. A new park, the Phil Fuentes All Ability Park, will open this fall. Other projects, especially the revised ‘L’ strip behind Cicero Ave and the green infrastructure alleyway improvement plan, are also underway.  

President Dominick took to the stage with visible emotion to express his gratitude. “It brings tears to my eyes because it’s been nothing but joy. I love working for the people,” he said. Dominick reflected on his five decades of public service, his late son Brian, and the board’s strength that has worked alongside him. “It’s not a one-man job,” he emphasized. “United we stand, divided we fall.”

One of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony was the swearing-in itself, led by Cook County Circuit Court Judge ShawnTe Raines-Welch, a longtime supporter of Dominick whose political journey began as a volunteer on his 2005 campaign. Raines-Welch administered the oath to President Dominick, Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, Supervisor Joe Virruso, Trustee Blanca Vargas, and Trustee Bob Porod.

President Dominick also shared a vision for the future, including plans to renovate a newly acquired building at 59 and 35th Street into a modern senior center. The current Senior Center will serve as a “mini town hall,” offering vital services to residents. He also teased opening a new park this summer, the Phil Fuentes All Ability Park.

“Four more years,” Dominick said with a smile. “We’re going to keep moving Cicero forward.”

As the ceremony closed, it was clear that the spirit of unity, experience, and commitment to service continues to shape Cicero under Larry Dominick’s enduring leadership.

‍