Cicero Town President Larry Dominick has been a proud resident of the Town of Cicero for over 65 years. He attended Morton East High School and Morton Community College before dedicating his career to public service. Larry began his public service career with the Town in the Cicero Streets Department, where he worked for 14 1/2 years. He then joined the Cicero Police Department, rising through the ranks over two decades to retire as 1^st Deputy Superintendent.

In February 22, 2005, Larry Dominick returned to public service when he was elected to a four-year term as Cicero Town President. He was sworn into office on May 10, 2005, and has since been re-elected ever since with overwhelming support from the residents of Cicero.

On May 14, 2025, surrounded by family, Town officials, students from Unity Junior High, and community members, Town President Larry Dominick was sworn in for a historic sixth term during an emotional inauguration ceremony at Cicero Town Hall. Town President Dominick holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Town President and Chief Executive Officer in the Town of Cicero’s history, with 20 years of dedicated leadership and counting.

Town President Dominick reflected on his years of service with visible emotion. He said, “It brings tears to my eyes because it’s been nothing but joy. I love working for the people.” He went on to express his gratitude to the residents of Cicero for their continued trust and support over the past two decades. Dominick emphasized that every accomplishment, from reducing crime to improving services for seniors, families, and youth, has been possible because of a shared commitment to building a safer, stronger community together. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Shawn Te Raines-Welch, who began her political journey as a volunteer on Dominick’s 2005 campaign, administered the oath of office to Town President Dominick and the other reelected officials: Maria Punzo-Arias, Joe Virruso, Blanca Vargas and Bob Porod. As a result of staggered terms, two Town officials Fran Reitz and Emo Cundari are scheduled to be sworn in this December.

Under his leadership, Town President Dominick has made public safety his top priority which led to Cicero being recognized among the Top 20 Safest Cities in America by House Hunt Online. This achievement is reflected in the town’s crime statistics. Street gang violence has been significantly reduced since he took office. By strengthening the Police Department, engaging residents in community activities, and expanding services and programs for youth, Cicero has seen a dramatic decline in violence.

As safety has improved, Cicero has become a magnet for new businesses that bring much needed property and sales tax revenue that helps ease the burden on taxpayers. These businesses not only provide essential products and services, but also employment opportunities. The businesses that have chosen to invest in Cicero include Wirtz Beverage now Breakthru Beverage, Bimbo Bakeries, Amazon, Walmart, Portillo’s, Golden Corral, Starbucks, Sparkle Car Wash, Panda Express, and many others. Cicero also saw the redevelopment of Hawthorne Works Shopping Center. In addition to these businesses, more healthcare centers have opened their doors to serve the community’s growing needs.

New facilities such as Oak Street Health, Cermak Immediate Care, Midwest Express, Access Family Health Center, and several others have become valuable resources for residents. With Cicero’s expanding population, these additions have been very welcome improvements that contribute to the Town’s continued growth and prosperity. They not only strengthen the local economy but also enhance the quality of life for residents by creating jobs and providing more opportunities for families to live, work, and thrive in a vibrant community.

A very welcomed green space was officially opened in 2008 thanks to Town President Dominick. Cicero Community Park located at Laramie and 34th Street has become a vibrant gathering place for recreation, family fun, exercise, and the Town’s very popular Family Festivals. The park features a splash pad for children to enjoy during the summer months and sits next to the Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink, offering year-round activities for residents of all ages.

In addition to Cicero Community Park, Town President Dominick has also been instrumental in developing Laramie Skate Park and the surrounding community space. Located at the intersection of 18th Street and Laramie Avenue, the Laramie Park Extension offers a variety of amenities designed to serve residents of all ages. It features Cicero Waggin’ Tails Shelter, sand volleyball courts, a soccer field, and a skateboard park, making it a dynamic hub for recreation and community activities in Cicero.

On September 23, 2024, President Larry Dominick broke ground on Cicero’s first 100 percent Disability Accessible Playground. The new “Phil Fuentes Ability Park” is dedicated to local businessman Phil Fuentes, who has overcome his own disability to achieve great success. This groundbreaking playground will be the first of its kind in Cicero, providing an inclusive space where children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow together. Town President Dominick is deeply committed to creating and maintaining outdoor recreational spaces where the youth of Cicero can thrive. His ongoing efforts not only provide safe places for play and physical activity but also help young residents develop important social skills, teamwork, and a strong sense of community. Town President Dominick and the Board of Trustees secured a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of 3.2 million for the Phil Fuentes Ability Park. Through these initiatives, Town President Dominick continues to invest in the well-being and future of Cicero’s children, ensuring they have opportunities for healthy growth, connection, and lifelong memories.

Town President Dominick is committed to serving all members of its diverse community. The Town provides Spanish translations of all essential English-language documents to ensure clear communication with residents. Additionally, the Town’s Newsletter and Senior Newsletter are published in both English and Spanish, outlining all the month’s activities and available services. Cicero’s social media platforms also maintain bilingual content, ensuring residents stay informed and engaged. To further support its diverse population, the Town’s official website is available in 10 different languages. This makes it easier for residents from various backgrounds to access important information and resources.

Additionally, Town President Dominick has overseen the implementation of a wide range of services and programs to support families, the Town’s youth, and local schools. In 2009, he launched the Parent Patrols program, an initiative dedicated to keeping school children safe as they travel to and from school each day. What began with just seven dedicated parents has grown into a powerful, community-driven safety effort with more than 300 volunteer parents working together to look out for Cicero’s youngest residents. The Parent Patrols and the CERT (Community Emergency Response Training) programs have become an essential part of the Town’s system to improve public safety, foster stronger relationships among neighbors, and create a welcoming environment where families can thrive.

Town President Dominick has also dedicated his time and leadership to a number of important community boards and initiatives. He previously volunteered with the Berwyn/Cicero Youth Baseball League for 20 years, he managed 3 teams a year, where he helped create opportunities for local children to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy habits through organized sports. In addition, he served on the Cicero Police Pension Board, working to protect the retirement security of the Town’s law enforcement professionals, and on the Morton 201 High School District Board, where he supported efforts to enhance educational programs and strengthen local schools. Recognizing the importance of a thriving business community.

Town President Dominick played a key role in relaunching the Town of Cicero’s New Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber, led by a volunteer team of independent business leaders from Cicero, Town President Dominick works to promote economic development, support small businesses, and attract new investment to the area. Through these and many other efforts, Town President Dominick has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving residents in every aspect of community life.

Thanks to the strong support and collaboration of the Board of Trustees, both past and present, Town President Dominick has been able to accomplish so much on behalf of the Town of Cicero. Working together, they have championed initiatives that have strengthened public safety, improved services for families and seniors, supported local schools, and attracted new businesses and investment. Their shared vision and dedication have transformed Cicero into a vibrant, welcoming community where residents can feel proud to live and raise their families. It is through this spirit of partnership and teamwork that Cicero has continued to grow, thrive, and set an example for what can be achieved when local leaders and the community work hand in hand.

Town President Dominick has significantly expanded services to Cicero’s senior citizen community, ensuring that older residents receive the support, care, and respect they deserve. Under his leadership, Cicero now offers the broadest range of senior services of any community in the American Midwest. No municipality matches the comprehensive programs available in Cicero today, including but not limited to Free bus transportation, lawn service, snow removal, basic home repairs assistance such as install and remove window air conditioners gutter cleaning, first floor exterior window washing, carpet cleaning, minor repairs to gutters and downspout, repair leaks, rodding of sinks, toilets and tubs, install or repair hot water tanks, repair or replace locks, help install hand rails, repair or replace outlets, help install ceiling fans, change light bulbs, repair garage door openers, check for minor repairs on AC/heating units, cleaning and rodding catch basin, free tows in Town for Cicero residents. 

To keep our seniors engaged in the community, great senior programming has been added which includes a wide variety of activities such as tai-chi, yoga, table games, and access to treadmills at the Senior Center. Each month, seniors are celebrated with birthday events, and during the summer, they enjoy outdoor activities like bingo in the park. For added comfort, long distance trips are organized using fully equipped buses featuring heating, air conditioning, toilets, and wheelchair storage. Outings include visits to restaurants, outdoor festivals, and celebrations held throughout the year. Dedicated staff members are always available to assist the seniors with everyday needs. These services reflect Town President Dominick’s deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and honoring their contributions to the community.

Under Town President Dominick, The Disability Program includes medical equipment assistance, medical transportation assistance, Handicapped parking applications, social security assistance, Benefit Access Program, Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit, Persons with Disabilities transit Discount Ride Program, Secretary of State License Plate, Application assistance for the Illinois Disabled Person Identification Card.

Another one of Town President Dominick priorities is the improvement of the Health Department providing Low-cost Dental Services, comprehensive healthcare services tailored to the needs of the Cicero community, offering a range of preventative care options including routine health screening for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, Podiatry services, Mental Health, Sports Physicals, School Physicals, Tuberculosis Testing, Lead Testing, Immunizations, Vision and Hearing Screenings.         

Town President Dominick is married to Diana Dominick, Director of the Cicero Senior Center. They have three adult children and five grandchildren. Together they are deeply committed to both family and civic involvement, dedicating their lives to serving the community while fostering strong family values.

Town President Dominick vows to continue fighting for all the residents of the Town of Cicero. He remains dedicated to protecting the community, advocating for essential resources, and ensuring every resident has access to the support and services they need. His commitment to improving quality of life and strengthening the Town of Cicero will always be at the forefront of his leadership.


CHAMPIONING RESILIENCE: PRESIDENT LARRY DOMINICK’S FIGHT AGAINST FLOODING IN CICERO

When the Town of Cicero was devastated by the historic flooding of July 2023, President Larry Dominick stepped up as a tireless advocate for residents. For more than two months, he led the charge at both the local and national levels to secure a federal disaster declaration, ultimately ensuring that Cicero qualified for FEMA assistance.

Town President Dominick, along with Cicero leadership, testified before an Illinois House Committee on the regional impacts of flooding. The Town collected nearly 7,000 Damage Assessment Forms, complete with photos and detailed information to support FEMA’s evaluation and assist residents in applying for aid. A public meeting at Morton College brought together state and federal agencies to answer residents’ questions and provide direct support.

To aid in recovery, the Cicero Senior Center, the Cicero Community Center, and Morton College served as disaster recovery hubs. Residents received help completing FEMA applications and were provided with cleanup and hygiene kits from the Red Cross. The Town increased its Flood Control Device Grant from $1,500 to $2,000 to better assist homeowners in protecting their properties. 

The Health Department offered free tetanus shots to protect residents during cleanup efforts.

Public Works employees worked around the clock to remove nearly 1,900 tons of debris, almost three times the typical weekly amount. Cleanup efforts were reinforced by trucks from Cook County, the outstanding support of Team Rubicon, a disaster aid organization, and additional contractors to accelerate the recovery process.

Through the united efforts of every Town department, Cicero Town President Larry Dominick demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting its residents, restoring services, and helping the community recover and rebuild.

Getting state and federal officials to declare the Town of Cicero a disaster area to qualify for FEMA was just the beginning of Town President Dominick’s fight for the residents of Cicero.

After a year-long effort to push state and federal officials to recognize the urgent need for anti-flooding measures, Town President Dominick’s persistence paid off. The Town of Cicero was awarded a $96 million federal grant to address severe flooding challenges caused by regional infrastructure issues.

The $96 million federal grant awarded to the Town of Cicero is one of the largest amounts ever granted to a single municipality by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. During a press conference, federal officials emphasized that the funding is part of a larger national initiative aimed at supporting disaster relief efforts in states and local communities affected by recent natural disasters.

The grant is intended to help municipalities like Cicero recover from the long-term impact of flooding and other weather-related challenges. In Cicero’s case, the funding will support critical infrastructure improvements, flood prevention projects, and long-term community resilience planning. The grant is a major milestone in ongoing efforts to protect residents and reduce the risk of future flooding events.

Town President Dominick has consistently emphasized the power of community collaboration in achieving meaningful results. Reflecting on the successful effort to secure federal funding, he stated, “I believe that by coming together the way we did, we made a strong case to the Federal Government that they needed to step up to the plate and not put the burden of addressing the region’s flooding problems on local property owners. This was an issue that demanded national attention. I feel we did our best to ensure our voices were heard loud and clear in Washington D.C.” His leadership not only brought critical resources to Cicero but also highlighted the importance of collective action in facing shared challenges.

Town President Dominick’s dedication to securing this funding demonstrates his commitment to building a safer, stronger Cicero for current and future generations. With this historic grant, the Town is well-positioned to implement lasting solutions that will protect its residents and infrastructure from the impacts of flooding for years to come.


HIGHLIGHTS OF TOWN PRESIDENT DOMINICK'S COMMUNITY PROGRESS

Education Initiatives

• Established all-day kindergarten programs, first at 53rd and 35th Street, and is now replacing Burnham School with a new state-of-the-art all-day kindergarten facility.
• When Town President Dominick took office, 50% of freshmen were reading at a third-grade level. Today, student performance has risen to meet state standards, thanks to enhanced reading programs and educational support.

Community & Infrastructure Improvements

• Reconstructed the El Strip from Central to Lombard as a green alley, helping reduce flooding by managing excess stormwater.
• Initiated development on Cicero’s East Side and the 3300 block, with upcoming retail and restaurant units to boost local business.

Town Hall Modernization

• Introduced new technology to Town Hall operations.
• Developed a state-of-the-art Crime Center to strengthen public safety.
• Installed cameras throughout the Town

Resident-Focused Services

• Eliminated towing for street sweeping, providing relief to residents.
• Kept vehicle sticker fees at $50, with no increases.
• Balanced the Town budget each year without raising taxes.
• Increased funding for water backflow prevention programs.

Public Works & Safety

• Constructed a new Public Works building to better serve Town maintenance and operations.
• Reopened Safety Town, enhancing traffic and pedestrian safety education for children.
• Built a new animal shelter, considered one of the best in the area, serving Forest View, Stickney, and Berwyn.

Economic Development

• Improved Roosevelt Road to Laramie, attracting new businesses and revitalizing a key commercial corridor.

HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Residential Flood Control Program 

• Provides $2,000 grants for installing water backup protection valves

Emergency Assistance Program (EAP)

• Up to $4,999 for urgent repairs (roof, HVAC, electrical hazards, plumbing)

Emergency Access Grant for People with Disabilities (EAG)

• Up to $24,999 for accessibility improvements (ramps, chair lifts, porch repairs)

Home Repair Program (HRP)

• Up to $4,999 for essential repairs (porches, windows, lead hazard reduction, roofing, masonry)

Home Improvement Program (HIP)

• Up to $24,999 for major renovations and code violations

Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR)

• Provides up to $60,000 in renovation assistance
• Priority projects include:
  • Lead service line replacements for homes with children under 6
  • Roof, gutter, and soffit replacements
  • Handicap accessibility projects (chair lifts, walk-in showers, etc.)