Maria Punzo Arias is a respected leader, trailblazer, and dedicated public servant who made history as the first Hispanic individual to serve as Town Clerk in Cicero. Her journey exemplifies the values of hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to her community. 

Born in Mexico City, Maria moved to Cicero as a young child and has called the Town of Cicero home for more than five decades. She is a proud graduate of Morton East High School, where her passion for civic responsibility and community involvement began to take shape.

She later studied Social Science at Ashford University, further solidifying her dedication to public service. Deeply rooted in Cicero, Maria has always believed in giving back to the Town that gave her and her family a place to grow, thrive, and succeed.

Maria began her career in local government in 1995 when she joined the Cicero Water Department as a clerk. From her very first day, she demonstrated the integrity, attention to detail, and dedication to public service that would define her professional journey. In that role, Maria quickly earned the trust and respect of her colleagues and the broader community by ensuring that essential services were administered efficiently and fairly.

Recognizing her leadership potential and commitment to civic engagement, the community elected Maria to the Cicero Town Board in 2003. As a Trustee, she became a strong voice for accountability, transparency, and responsive government. She was instrumental in initiatives that improved municipal services, strengthened neighborhood outreach, and addressed residents’ concerns with compassion and fairness. Her balanced judgment and advocacy for working families earned her widespread admiration. During this time, Maria also served on the Clyde Park District Board. 

Building on her record of effective leadership, Maria was elected Town Clerk in 2011. In this role, she has continued to serve with distinction. As Town Clerk, Maria has modernized records management, streamlined administrative processes, and expanded access to essential documents and services for residents. Her office is known for its professionalism and approachability, reflecting Maria’s belief that local government should always be open and responsive to the people it serves.

Outside her official duties, Maria is deeply devoted to her family. She is married to Jose Arias, and together they have raised three children. Today, they are proud grandparents of five, and Maria cherishes every opportunity to spend quality time with her loved ones. Whether gathering for family celebrations or sharing everyday moments, she values the close bonds that keep her grounded and inspired. ​Maria enjoys trying different cuisines and takes every opportunity to discover new flavors and dishes. She has a special fondness for Polish food, appreciating its comforting​ and ​traditional recipes.

Maria continues to serve the Town of Cicero with pride, passion, and purpose. Her leadership is marked not only by her historic achievements but also by her tireless dedication to improving the lives of Cicero’s residents.

Fran Reitz, a lifelong Cicero resident, attended Our Lady of Charity Grammar School and Morton East High School, where she developed a strong connection to her community. She continued her education at Elmhurst College, earning a degree in Business Administration and pursuing a second major in Urban Studies. Her interest in local government and civic engagement led her to spend the summer of 1984 working as an intern with the Town of Cicero, an experience that further inspired her commitment to public service.

Upon graduating, Fran was offered a full-time position as a town employee, marking the start of a distinguished career dedicated to improving the lives of Cicero residents. During her tenure, she has contributed her skills and leadership across numerous departments, including the Building Department, Blight Department, Assessor’s Office, Personnel Department, Community Planning & Development Department, Town Newsletter Department, and the Cicero Youth Commission.

Since 2004, she has served as the Town Collector, where she continues to bring professionalism, dedication, and a deep sense of civic pride to her work. Her early experiences laid a foundation of knowledge, compassion, and determination that have guided her decades of service to the community she has always called home.

Fran has generously contributed her time to numerous community organizations, serving as Commissioner of the Cicero Senior Commission, Advisor to the Cicero Youth Commission, Chairperson of the Town Board Anti-Gang Committee, a member of the Morton High School PTO, and as a Trustee on the Morton College Board of Trustees. Through these roles, she has worked tirelessly to support youth, seniors, and families, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to making Cicero a better place for everyone.

Fran is a proud mother of three children who inspire her to continue her public service. Fran greatly admires the direction in which Town President Larry Dominick has led the “New Cicero,” and she is proud to serve alongside him on the Town Board as they work diligently to move forward, make progress, and enhance the quality of life for all Cicero residents.

Joe Virruso holds the distinct honor of being the longest-serving employee in the history of the Town of Cicero. His remarkable career began when he was just 18 years old, and since then, he has faithfully and tirelessly served the community. Over the years, Joe has worked under eight different Town presidents, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and residents alike through his unwavering dedication, institutional knowledge, and steadfast leadership.

Joe began his public service in the Public Works Department, where he quickly established a reputation for reliability and a strong work ethic. He later transitioned to the Water and Sewers Department, where he continued to build his expertise in municipal operations and infrastructure. Joe also volunteered as Board President for the Clyde Park District for 16 years. Since 1997, Joe has served as the Town Supervisor, overseeing critical Town functions and providing invaluable institutional knowledge that spans generations.

Joe attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Morton High School before continuing his education at Southern Illinois University. His late wife, Nola, served as Director of the Cicero Water Department. The couple shared a strong partnership in life and in public service until her passing in 2006. Joe is the proud father of three, a devoted grandfather to seven, and a loving great-grandfather of two.

Joe remains passionate about his work and is dedicated to the betterment of the Town and its residents. He has witnessed the growth and transformation of Cicero over the years and has played a vital role in helping shape its future. Joe Virruso's legacy is not only marked by his years of service but by his deep love for the community he serves. His story is a shining example of lifelong commitment to public service, family, and the Town of Cicero.

Emilio “Emo” Cundari is a Certified Public Assessment Officer who has proudly served as the Town Assessor for the Town of Cicero since 2009. Prior to this role, he served with distinction as the Director of Community Development beginning in 2005. Emilio has played a key role in planning and implementing initiatives aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods, enhancing public safety, and improving the overall quality of life for Cicero residents.

Before joining the Town of Cicero, Cundari spent ten years serving the State of Illinois. During that time, he developed a strong foundation in public administration, program oversight, and community planning.

Cundari is a proud graduate of Saint Rita High School, Class of 1988. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from DePaul University in 1992 and went on to complete his Master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003. In recognition of his professional achievements and public service, he was honored as UIC’s Alumni of the Year in 2008.

During his tenure with the Town of Cicero, Cundari has led several impactful initiatives. He organized and launched the Town’s annual “Keep Cicero CLEAN” campaign, a comprehensive safety and beautification program that promotes civic pride, environmental responsibility, and neighborhood unity. He also managed the administration of the Town’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program, helping to revitalize residential areas through strategic planning, investment, and community outreach.

In both his professional and personal life, Cundari remains committed to the values of service, leadership, and continuous improvement. He is the proud father of two children, Cara and Dean, who inspire his ongoing dedication to building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community for future generations.

Victor Garcia has proudly served the residents of Cicero through his unwavering dedication to public service and community involvement for decades. His journey in local government began in 2005 following the election of Town President Larry Dominick. Recognizing Victor’s strong work ethic and commitment to civic engagement, President Dominick appointed him as the Coordinator of Special Projects in the Office of the President. In this role, Victor contributed to important Town initiatives, spearheaded community outreach programs, and worked closely with residents to address concerns and improve services.

In addition to his administrative contributions, Victor was elected to the Clyde Park District Board of Commissioners, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing local park facilities, expanding recreational programming, and improving access to safe, well-maintained public spaces for families and youth. 

Victor has also served on the Town of Cicero Zoning Board and the Community Development Committee, where he worked diligently to ensure responsible planning, balanced growth, and neighborhood revitalization. His public service is grounded in a strong belief in transparency and fairness.

Before entering government, Victor spent several years working in the manufacturing industry, where he served as a union chief steward. In that capacity, he advocated for workers’ rights, safety, and equitable treatment on the job. 

Victor is also deeply engaged in local organizations that strengthen the social fabric of Cicero. He serves as a board member of the Nazarene Brotherhood. Victor is a devoted husband to his wife, Maria, and together they are the proud parents of three children.

Since 2007, Victor Garcia has served as Town Trustee, bringing years of experience, compassion, and steady leadership to the role. His collaborative approach and dedication to listening to residents have helped foster a stronger, more vibrant Town.

Robert 'Bob' Porod was born and raised in the Town of Cicero, where his deep roots and commitment to community and service were established early on. He has served as Town Trustee since 2017 and continues to do so with dedication and integrity.

Bob is a proud graduate of Our Lady of Charity, Morton High School, and Morton College. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Analysis and Design Engineering from the University of Illinois. Bob is a registered professional engineer in both IL and MI and is active in the engineering field.

Bob has been married to his wife, Jan, since August 1968. Together, they have raised three children and are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren. Family remains central to Bob's life and values.

In his distinguished professional career, Bob holds two United States patents and several technical disclosures for mechanical devices. His innovative work has earned him numerous honors, including the Charles Ellet Engineering Award, the University of Illinois Engineering Alumni Award, and additional awards recognizing his contributions to mechanical design and problem solving. He is a respected member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Bob grew up in Cicero, where he played baseball and twice competed in the Cicero Life All-Star Basketball Classic. He later gave back by coaching youth teams and mentoring students in science and math, inspiring them to pursue technical and engineering careers.

Bob has also been a dedicated advocate for senior citizens. He has supported programs that promote safety, wellness, and a more fulfilling quality of life for Cicero’s cherished senior residents.

One of Bob’s most impactful contributions is inventing the “Cricket,” a directional sounding device that has helped thousands of visually impaired individuals enjoy activities like biking, baseball, kayaking, and more. Nationally recognized for promoting independence, Bob generously made the device available to a nonprofit to produce and distribute it free of charge.

Bob Porod exemplifies innovation, compassion, and lifelong service to his community and beyond. His professional achievements and personal commitment to improving the lives of others make him a respected leader and role model in the Town of Cicero and throughout the engineering community.

John Cava has served as a Town Trustee since 2018, bringing to the role a deep understanding of the community he has always called home. Born and raised in the Town of Cicero, John takes great pride in his lifelong roots and the strong sense of tradition and unity that define the town. From an early age, he embraced the values of hard work, service, and community spirit that would guide him throughout his life and career. John is married to his wife, Alice, and has 3 children and four grandchildren. 

John began his education at Drexel Elementary School and continued on to St. Joseph’s High School, where he developed a passion for learning and leadership. He furthered his studies at Triton College, preparing for a career dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

For 35 years, John worked for Cicero School District 99, where he became a familiar and trusted figure to generations of students, parents, and colleagues. His dedication to education was evident in every aspect of his work. During the last 27 years of his career at Cicero East School, John earned a reputation for his professionalism, kindness, and unwavering commitment to helping students reach their full potential. Whether mentoring a young learner, supporting families, or collaborating with fellow educators, John’s positive influence left a lasting impact on countless lives.

In June 2018, John retired from the school district, leaving behind a legacy of service to the education and development of Cicero’s youth. His contributions helped shape a supportive learning environment where students could thrive both academically and personally.

In addition to his work in education, John has remained an active supporter of Cicero’s cultural and civic life. He served on the Cicero Library Board for six years, where he championed programs and resources that benefited residents of all ages. His efforts strengthened the library as a cornerstone of the community, enriching educational opportunities and fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning.

Today, as a Town Trustee, John continues to demonstrate the same dedication and care that have defined his life’s work. He remains committed to the well-being of Cicero and to preserving the values that make the town a special place to live. With a lifetime of experience, deep community ties, and a genuine love for Cicero, John is a respected and active voice on the Town Board. He is always ready to lend his support to initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents and ensure that Cicero continues to thrive for generations to come.

Blanca Vargas has dedicated decades to championing equity, access, and community empowerment. Since beginning her career in public service in the 1970s, she has remained devoted in her commitment to advocating for underrepresented voices and strengthening local institutions. Her leadership has left a lasting and meaningful impact across many communities, improving the lives of many and setting a powerful example of service, compassion, and integrity.

From 1973 to 1978, Blanca built her professional career as a Spanish-speaking liaison in the Office of Governor Dan Walker, followed by roles as an employment specialist at Casa Central and the Chicago Urban League. For over three decades, she helped residents secure employment through the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Blanca also co-founded the Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees (IAHSE).

Blanca has played a vital role in Cicero’s civic life. She has served as National Vice President for the Midwest, Illinois State Director, and currently as President of the Cicero Council of LULAC. Blanca serves on the board of the National LULAC Educational Centers (LNESC), where for 30 years she has helped hundreds of Morton East and West High School students access college scholarships. She has also supported initiatives such as the TV AYUDA Program and Central States Jobs for Progress, where she currently serves as Chairperson.

Since 1994, Blanca has been actively involved in supporting senior citizens through the Cicero Berwyn Council on Aging. She has promoted cultural diversity and facilitated Spanish-language U.S. citizenship classes for seniors. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led local efforts to distribute thousands of meals to families and individuals in need, working in close partnership with School District 99, School District 201, and the Town of Cicero. These initiatives provided critical support to vulnerable residents during a time of unprecedented hardship.

In 2018, Blanca became the first Hispanic woman elected as Cicero Democratic Committeeperson in her district. She later stepped down from that role to join the Cicero Town Board, where she was appointed as Town Trustee on March 22, 2022, by Town President Larry Dominick. 

Through her steadfast commitment to public service, she strives to advance opportunities and ensure that every individual has a voice in shaping the Town’s future. Blanca continues to lead with integrity and compassion, remaining dedicated to building a stronger Cicero for all.

Cicero Town Hall
4949 West Cermak Road
Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 656-3600