Joe Virusso, a lifelong Cicero resident, has dedicated his career to serving the town he calls home. Starting in the Public Works Department, he later transitioned to the Water and Sewer Department, where he rose to become Superintendent of Water before being elected Town Supervisor.
As a child, Joe enjoyed playing hockey on frozen ponds during winter and roller skating during warmer months. Today, he values family time and spends Sundays with his three daughters and seven grandchildren. Known for his hands-on approach and commitment to the community, Joe continues to work tirelessly to ensure Cicero remains a great place to live and work.
Maria A. Punzo-Arias made history as the first Hispanic and Latina to hold the office of Town Clerk in Cicero, a milestone made possible by her 2011 appointment by Town President Larry Dominick. Born in Mexico City, Maria moved to Cicero as a child, graduating from Morton East High School in 1986. With more than 46 years as a Cicero resident, Maria has dedicated her career to public service, working for the Town since 1995.
Maria began her career as a Water Department clerk, later becoming Annex Director in 2000 and a Town Trustee in 2003. She earned the trust of Cicero residents, who re-elected her in 2005 and 2009 before her historic appointment as Town Clerk. Known for her dedication to her community, Maria has supported humanitarian efforts, including volunteering in Ecuador with “Causes for Change International.”
Maria, happily married for over 36 years, is a proud mother of three and grandmother of five. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and exploring diverse cuisines. Maria continues to serve Cicero’s residents by assisting constituents and supporting small local businesses, exemplifying her lifelong commitment to building a stronger community.
Fran Reitz, a lifelong Cicero resident, has served as Town Collector for five terms. She began her career with the Town in 1984 as an intern in the Building Department while completing her dual majors in Urban Studies and Business Administration at Elmhurst College. Over the years, Fran has held roles in the Assessor’s Office, Housing Director for Community Development, and the Cicero Youth Commission, where she focused on anti-gang programs and peace initiatives.
Fran is a passionate advocate for public safety, working closely with the Cicero Police Department and promoting the “We Call Police” Neighborhood Watch program. She is also dedicated to Cicero’s seniors, serving on the Senior Commission and encouraging resident involvement in Neighborhood Watch meetings. In her role as Town Collector, Fran oversees revenue collection and resident services, including vehicle stickers, parking permits, and free pet tags. She also partners with Waggin’ Tails to ensure pets are tagged with engraved IDs, enhancing their safety.
Emilio “Emo” Cundari has played a pivotal role in Cicero’s transformation under its “New Cicero” vision. A graduate of St. Rita High School with degrees from DePaul University and the University of Illinois, Emo began his tenure with the Town as Director of Community Development in 2005. Since then, he has led initiatives such as the annual “Keep Cicero CLEAN” campaign, which has received statewide recognition, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
Emo has worked tirelessly to keep property tax rates steady, assist residents with property tax appeals, and address flooding and odor issues caused by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District plant. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his two children, Cara and Deano, and cheering on the Chicago White Sox.
Robert F. “Bob” Porod has served as a Town of Cicero Trustee since 2017, actively contributing to community programs and initiatives under the leadership of Town President Larry Dominick. Born and raised in Cicero, Bob graduated from Our Lady of Charity grade school, Morton High School, and Morton Junior College, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Analysis and Design Engineering from the University of Illinois. Throughout his career in the communications industry, Bob has been recognized with two U.S. patents and prestigious awards, including the Charles Ellet Engineering Award and the University of Illinois Engineering Alumni Award.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bob has dedicated himself to mentoring youth in STEM education and advocating for senior citizen programs. He has also gained national recognition for developing the “Cricket,” a directional sound device that assists visually impaired individuals, which he provides through nonprofit organizations. Married to his wife, Jan, for over 56 years, Bob is a proud father of three and grandfather of four, remaining deeply committed to enhancing the lives of Cicero residents through his service.
Blanca Vargas was appointed as a Cicero Town Trustee by Town President Larry Dominick on March 22, 2022, filling the vacancy left by the passing of former Trustee Larry Banks. As the third Latina to serve as a Trustee, Vargas follows in the footsteps of trailblazers Josephine Herrera and Maria Punzo-Arias, who was appointed the first Latina Town Clerk in 2011. Joined by her daughters, Sarah and Bianca, Vargas expressed gratitude to President Dominick and the Town Board, vowing to dedicate herself to serving the Cicero community.
With a history of activism that began in 1972, Vargas has long been a champion for Hispanic representation and community engagement. She has served as a Hispanic liaison under Illinois Governors Dan Walker and Pat Quinn and worked with organizations such as LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens. In 2018, she made history as the first Hispanic woman elected as Democratic Committeeperson, a role she stepped down from to assume her seat on the Cicero Town Board. Vargas also served as a Hispanic Liaison for the Town of Cicero in 2021, bringing decades of experience and dedication to her new role as Trustee.
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.
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.
