[0:00] We'd like to welcome everyone to the, uh, town
[0:02] of Cicero inauguration ceremony today,
[0:04] May 13th, 2025 at the Cicero Town Hall.
[0:08] First, like to call a clerk, Maria pun ez,
[0:12] to have opening remarks.
[0:15] Thank you on behalf of Tom, president, Larry,
[0:18] Dominic, and the town board.
[0:19] We want to thank everyone that's here today.
[0:21] We want to thank our students from unity of junior high,
[0:26] family members, loved ones,
[0:29] and especially congratulate all the elected
[0:31] officials on the special day.
[0:34] And, um, as always, I'd like to acknowledge our legal team
[0:37] for doing a tremendous job all the time.
[0:40] Thank you for joining us today.
[0:42] Uh, it's a, a great day to celebrate President Larry Dominic
[0:46] and, uh, my colleagues on the board here
[0:48] for another successful election.
[0:51] Um, back in 2005, uh, when,
[0:54] when Larry won his first election, we were all filled
[0:58] with a lot of anticipation and, uh, great pride
[1:01] and hope that there was gonna be some great changes
[1:03] to the town of Cicero.
[1:05] And when Larry came in office, he faced a lot of issues,
[1:08] a lot of problems back then.
[1:10] Uh, there was a rodent problem, a graffiti problem,
[1:14] a crime rate was up.
[1:15] There was just a lot of things that he had to deal with.
[1:18] And, uh, when President Dominic came in,
[1:20] he assembled a great team, uh, leaders and department heads
[1:24] and people to work with him and turn the town around,
[1:27] and he certainly did not disappoint.
[1:29] So over the last 20 years,
[1:31] he's accomplished a gr a great many things,
[1:34] and, uh, today we celebrate the fact
[1:37] that he's gonna be doing his six feet repeat
[1:42] on, on another great election.
[1:44] And, uh, we wish him
[1:45] and the rest of the board members here, uh,
[1:48] great success on another successful term. Thank you.
[1:51] We'd like to ask everybody to raise
[1:53] and join the Union Junior High, uh, choir
[1:57] and pledge allegiance.
[1:59] I, senior of National Anthem,
[2:05] I pledge allegiance to the flag
[2:07] of the United States of America
[2:10] And to, for which span nation
[2:30] And you,
[3:53] We'd like you to remain standing while Ishmael Vargas, uh,
[3:56] town chaplain leads us in an invocation.
[4:00] Before we, uh, pray, do the invocation,
[4:03] lemme just remind ourselves that as we celebrate
[4:07] and we thank God for this opportunity for another year,
[4:11] that God has blessed the town officials, the word
[4:16] of God says in the book of James chapter one, verse 12,
[4:20] blessed is the one who perseveres on their trials
[4:23] because having stood the test,
[4:26] that person will receive the crown of life
[4:30] that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
[4:35] And we definitely as a community, we love God,
[4:38] and we want to go ahead and recognize his
[4:41] blessings upon this community.
[4:42] Let's bow our heads. Father Almighty God, we want
[4:47] to thank you this morning and it is with joy, it is with,
[4:52] uh, with vision
[4:54] and understanding that through you Father, there will be
[4:59] another four years of, of the community receiving Father
[5:03] more and more blessings that you'll use the man
[5:07] and woman Father, our Tom President trustees,
[5:12] to receive from you the wisdom Father,
[5:14] and the understanding of how to keep striving.
[5:17] Do not give up to stand firm
[5:20] and to know that you are father in the midst of everything,
[5:23] that you stand in the center of the community.
[5:26] We thank you for uniting us
[5:29] and today as we celebrate, as we recognize, father,
[5:34] that you are the one Father who put people in places,
[5:38] father, to be the ones who will take charge
[5:42] of making a difference
[5:46] in this time.
[5:48] Father, the community that you will give 'em the tools,
[5:51] the understanding, but also you will keep them safe.
[5:54] And for them to recognize
[5:55] and to know Father, that through you, through your strength,
[5:58] father, things can be done.
[6:01] We thank you for the past.
[6:03] We thank you, father for now the future that is before us,
[6:07] and the man and the woman, our top president
[6:09] and the board of trustees that will do their due diligence
[6:12] to make our community a better place every day.
[6:16] And your name, father will thank you in the name
[6:18] of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
[6:21] And we will say amen.
[6:29] We'd like you to turn your attention
[6:31] to the screen in the moment.
[6:32] We're going to have a video of overviews,
[6:34] president Dominic's achievement in his 20 years in office.
[6:38] Um, it's truly a transformation of the town of Cicero.
[6:41] If you think back to what things were like, uh, as, uh,
[6:46] Ari stated 20 years ago, there were, there were,
[6:48] there were many issues within the town.
[6:50] And, um, like a phoenix rising, um, the town
[6:53] of is in a much better place.
[6:55] Uh, look at the housing,
[6:57] look at the neighborhoods, look at the commerce.
[6:59] You look at the green space that's been added.
[7:01] Just want to touch on these, uh,
[7:04] water block opportunities and moments.
[7:16] 20 years ago, a vision took root in the heart of Cicero,
[7:20] a vision of safety, unity, and progress.
[7:22] That vision belonged to one man, Larry.
[7:24] Dominic we're celebrating a monumental milestone
[7:28] in Cicero's history.
[7:29] 20 years of transformative leadership under our town
[7:32] President Larry Dominic.
[7:34] In 2005, Larry Dominic took the oath of office
[7:37] as town president with deep roots in this community
[7:40] and a lifetime of service behind him.
[7:42] He promised to put Cicero first and he never looked back.
[7:46] Let's take a journey through some
[7:47] of the remarkable achievements that have defined his tenure.
[7:52] From day one. President Dominic worked to make Cicero safer,
[7:56] cleaner, and stronger Under his leadership, crime dropped.
[8:00] Public safety was modernized
[8:02] and vital infrastructure was rebuilt all
[8:05] with the people in mind.
[8:08] He made Cicero a town for everyone, for our seniors,
[8:11] more resources, more care for our children, safer streets,
[8:15] better schools, and brighter futures for our families.
[8:19] Parks, programs and year-round
[8:20] events that bring us together.
[8:23] But Larry's vision extends far beyond just safety.
[8:27] He's been a champion for community development,
[8:31] most notably with the opening
[8:33] of Cicero's first fully disability accessible playground.
[8:36] Phil Fuentes Ability Park
[8:39] President Dominic brought economic revitalization to Cicero.
[8:42] Small businesses flourished.
[8:44] Jobs were created and neighborhoods were transformed
[8:47] with dignity and pride.
[8:51] Larry's dedication to our seniors is unparalleled
[8:53] through innovative programs, offering yard work services,
[8:56] water discounts, and transportation assistance.
[8:59] Our senior citizens enjoy a quality of life that's the envy
[9:03] of other municipalities.
[9:05] And if it wasn't for the help I get from this town
[9:07] for senior services, I don't know how I would go on.
[9:11] They are the best in the world. They do everything you need.
[9:16] They don't charge me.
[9:17] And it's just a, it's the best program I ever
[9:21] Best town for a senior to live in.
[9:23] Nobody has it as good as we do
[9:25] Because what would this world be without the police,
[9:28] the fire and the military.
[9:33] For two decades, he has stood by our veterans,
[9:35] our first responders,
[9:38] and the hardworking residents who make Cicero what it is.
[9:43] We celebrate his sixth inauguration.
[9:45] It's clear that Larry Dominic's leadership has
[9:47] profoundly transformed Cicero with a focus on safety,
[9:51] community development, inclusivity,
[9:54] and unwavering support for our seniors.
[9:56] He's laid down a legacy
[9:57] that will be remembered for generations.
[9:59] Here's to 20 years of progress
[10:01] and to many more years of growth
[10:03] and prosperity under Larry Dominic's visionary leadership.
[10:06] Thank you Larry, for your unwavering dedication
[10:09] and for making Cicero a better place for all of us.
[10:11] Stay tuned. Cicero, the best is yet to come.
[10:14] 20 years of progress, 20 years
[10:16] of pride, 20 years of service.
[10:17] Congratulations President Larry Dominic, on 20 years
[10:20] of leadership and a future still full of promise.
[10:45] Thank you very much.
[10:46] It, uh, brings tears
[10:50] to my eyes because it's been nothing of joy.
[10:55] I love working in front of people and I saw myself,
[11:15] my son prayer just like me.
[11:18] And so sad not.
[11:24] And, uh, I just love working for people and doing stuff.
[11:28] I've worked for Cisco 55 years
[11:33] and, uh, I don't know.
[11:35] I hope that I, in office, I hope that happens
[11:40] before I could have retired
[11:43] because sitting home, I can't do,
[11:45] I've been working since I'm 14
[11:49] and people thought I was, was dying.
[11:54] My opponents thought I was dying this last February.
[11:57] They were so happy. But God prevail is always amen.
[12:03] Thank you.
[12:11] I don't know, I I've been blessed my whole life.
[12:15] Great kids, great family, great, uh, grandkids,
[12:21] great wife, great daughter.
[12:26] She is my daughter. So
[12:32] I've just been blessed and I got a great board.
[12:34] The board works for me. It's not a one man job.
[12:38] It takes all the department heads, all the board members
[12:43] to work as one united.
[12:45] We stand. Why do we fall? Exactly.
[12:48] So we're always a good group.
[12:51] We all talk, we all help each other
[12:54] and we're here for the people assist room.
[12:56] And um, thank you so much for getting me reelected.
[13:01] You know, I can say is four more years.
[13:14] Thank you. And Emma congratulate all my board
[13:19] for getting reelected.
[13:20] And it's a blessing to have us all together.
[13:24] Lot's of years of experience, lots of years of experience.
[13:31] Everyone here has got more experience than people
[13:33] ever ran against us.
[13:35] None of them had experience.
[13:37] So the experience counts and we are blessed
[13:43] and the town is blessed to have such great board members
[13:47] to work for the people.
[13:49] Ro and God bless everybody.
[13:51] Thank you so much for this special day
[14:05] In 2005
[14:06] and many elections thereafter,
[14:08] a young lawyer volunteered her time on President Dominic's
[14:11] campaign because she believed in his vision for a new Cicero
[14:14] and wanted to ensure that everyone who wanted
[14:17] to vote had the ability to vote 20 years later, uh,
[14:21] she's now a circuit court judge
[14:22] and she asked today to be the one
[14:24] that swears in President Dominic
[14:26] for his sixth historical inauguration.
[14:29] So if introducing
[14:33] Judge,
[14:38] We're gonna start with, uh, you.
[14:39] Yeah,
[14:42] I'm skinny.
[14:47] You lost the weight. I found it 20 years. All right.
[14:51] Right. Well first let me say thank you and congratulations.
[14:54] Thank you. I can't believe it's been that long
[14:56] and I've come full circle in my career, so I am honored,
[14:59] honored, honored to be here with you today.
[15:02] I was suppose that, no, this is a speaker Welch wife
[15:06] and, um, the speaker and her helped me during my election
[15:11] and it was their leadership that guided us.
[15:15] So I'm so happy for you all today. Um, all right, Mr.
[15:18] President, you're ready. Raise your right hand please. Aye.
[15:23] Aye, search name.
[15:24] Larry Dominic, Having been reelected, having
[15:28] Been reelected To the office of town president
[15:31] To the office of town president
[15:33] For the town of Cicero, county of Cook for
[15:35] The, for the town of Cicero, county of Cook that I love,
[15:40] Do solemnly swear and affirm,
[15:41] Do solemnly swear and affirm
[15:43] That I'll support the Constitution of the United States.
[15:47] I will support the constitution of the United States,
[15:50] The constitution of the state of Illinois,
[15:52] Constitution, state, Illinois,
[15:54] And that I will faithfully discharge
[15:56] And I will faithfully discharge
[15:58] The duties of town president, the
[16:00] Duties of town president
[16:01] To the best of my ability, to the
[16:03] Best of my ability. Congratulations
[16:04] Mr. President. Thank
[16:06] You.
[16:20] It's up to you. How would you, here's all right.
[16:25] And Madam Clerk, please raise your right hand. Aye.
[16:28] Aye. Maria Zo Arias
[16:30] Having been elected as a town clerk,
[16:32] Having been elected as a town clerk
[16:34] In the town of Cicero County of Cook
[16:37] In the town of Cicero County of Cook,
[16:39] Do solemnly swear and affirm,
[16:42] Do solemnly swear and
[16:43] Affirm that I'll support the Constitution
[16:46] of United States, that I
[16:47] Will support the Constitution of the United States
[16:50] Constitution, of the state of Illinois, the
[16:52] Constitution of the state of Illinois,
[16:53] And that I'll faithfully discharge the duties and
[16:56] That I will faithfully discharge the duties
[16:58] Of town clerk of town clerk to the best of my ability, to
[17:02] The best of my ability.
[17:03] Congratulations Madam Clerk.
[17:14] Alright, and can you please raise your right hand and wait
[17:19] after I, you're going to insert your name,
[17:23] Joe Harso.
[17:24] Aye. Joe Caruso, having been elected
[17:28] as town supervisor
[17:30] Having been elected at town, supervisor
[17:33] In the town of Cicero, town of Cicero, county of Cook,
[17:36] County of Cook, Do swear and affirm,
[17:39] Do swear and affirm
[17:41] That I will support the Constitution of the United States,
[17:44] Support the Constitution of the United States,
[17:46] The constitution of the State of Illinois,
[17:49] Constitution, of the state of Illinois,
[17:51] And that I will faithfully discharge
[17:54] And I will faithfully discharge
[17:55] The duties of town, supervisor
[17:58] Of town supervisor
[18:00] According to the best of my ability, according
[18:03] To the best of my ability.
[18:04] Congratulations. Thank you.
[18:09] Thank you Mary,
[18:14] You please raise your right hand and repeat after me.
[18:17] I, Blanca Varga.
[18:19] I Blanca barrette, Having been elected to office
[18:22] of town trustee, have
[18:24] Been elected to town of trustee
[18:26] In the town of Cicero, of The town of
[18:29] Cicero, county of Cook, county of Cook.
[18:31] Do swear and affirm, Do swear and affirm
[18:34] Thou will support the Constitution
[18:36] of the United States. That
[18:37] I do support the Constitution of the United States,
[18:40] The Constitution of the state of Illinois,
[18:42] The constitution of the state of Illinois.
[18:44] And I will faithfully discharge the duties
[18:47] And I will faithfully discharge the duties
[18:49] Of town trustee From town trustee
[18:52] To the best of my ability, To the best of my ability.
[18:55] Congratulations
[19:03] Mr.
[19:03] Robert Gar. Bob Per
[19:06] The last best done.
[19:08] Of course. Alright, and please raise your right hand. Aye.
[19:13] Aye. Robert Bob Prad.
[19:15] Robert Bob Prad,
[19:16] Having been elected to the office of town trustee, having
[19:20] Been elected to the office of town trustee,
[19:22] The town of Cicero, The town of Cicero, county
[19:25] Of Cook. County of
[19:26] Cook, Do swear and affirm,
[19:28] Do swear and affirm
[19:29] Thou will support the constitution of the United States
[19:32] That'll support the constitution of the United States,
[19:34] The constitution of the state of Illinois,
[19:37] The constitution of the state of Illinois,
[19:39] And faithfully discharge the duties
[19:41] And faithfully discharge the duties
[19:43] Of town trustee Of town trustee
[19:46] To the best of my ability, to
[19:47] The best of my ability.
[19:48] Congratulations. Thank you.
[19:58] Thank you.
[20:00] Okay. Um, some people might wonder why we purchased a
[20:04] building on 59th and 35th Street.
[20:09] Believe it or not, that's the funeral carver.
[20:11] We're gonna rehab it and it's gonna be a senior center.
[20:16] So,
[20:20] And the Current senior center will be a mini town hall
[20:25] where we'll have people working
[20:27] where you can get vehicle tags and pay your water
[20:30] and stuff so we can move up to the next century.
[20:34] 'cause we're a little behind times, but we'll get there.
[20:37] It takes a lot of money, a lot of work.
[20:40] The worst thing is all the environmental stuff.
[20:44] It's always the worst. But the new park will be opening
[20:49] when, hopefully July, August.
[20:59] But it's for people's information.
[21:03] Um, Vanessa here and, uh, Craig
[21:08] and several others, but Tom Thompson have been working on
[21:11] this work and, uh, it's gonna be beautiful
[21:14] for everybody no matter who you are.
[21:17] So, thank you.