Adding to the speculation that Dan Proft is preparing to toss his hat into the ring for the 2010 Republican gubernatorial race, Illinois Review received this a few minutes ago ....
Cicero, Illinois... Dan Proft released the following statement today about his decision to step down as Cicero Town Spokesman effective May 1, 2009:
It is after much deliberation that I have come to the decision to leave the town. My decision is based entirely on an opportunity that has presented itself to pursue other professional endeavors. To highlight this point, I am not only leaving the town but I am also taking a leave from my firm, Urquhart Media, to take up the opportunity I referenced.
I want to begin by thanking Larry Dominick, the members of the Town Board, Cicero's town employees and Cicero's residents for making my time in Cicero over the past five years so enjoyable.
You made an "immigrant" from Wheaton feel very much at home and I greatly appreciate the hospitality I was shown. In particular, Larry's kindness has been clearly boundless as evidenced by his tolerance of this die-hard White Sox fan for the past five years.
In my capacity for a town as diverse and bustling as Cicero, I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of issues which allowed me the good fortune to meet so many quality individuals from so many different walks of life - the local small business owners; the social service providers who serve Cicero families; community activists; clergy; policymakers at the local, state and federal levels; Cicero's active senior residents; and, of course, all of our friends in the media.
I am also proud to have been a small part of the Dominick administration's efforts to create the "New Cicero".
What Larry and his team have accomplished for Cicero residents in the past five years is nothing short of breathtaking - property tax relief in addition to zeroing the town's levy for the past four years; 20 acres of new parks; a new community center and a new municipal complex; retail, commercial and industrial redevelopments underway all over town; balanced town budgets; new tutoring and after-school programs for Cicero's young people; expanded town services for seniors; and, most importantly, a dramatic decrease in the incidence of gang violence.
And there is no let up with Larry. Sportsman's Park redevelopment, an indoor soccer facility, and a new public aquatic center are a few of the key projects that form the ambitious agenda Larry has set for his second term.
While some in the Chicago media will forever remain consumed with Cicero's past, the Dominick administration has focused on providing for Cicero's future. The ability to turn the page and author a new chapter in the town's history is reflected in the popular support of the Dominick administration.
I will certainly miss working with Larry and his team as well as interacting with many of the Cicero town employees and residents who became friends.
***
As I said, I am not only leaving Cicero but I am taking a leave from my firm. However, the other members of my firm who helped me fulfill our contractual obligations to the town will remain.
In addition, Urquhart Media has added Elio Montenegro, a talented, seasoned journalist and public relations professional, to the team charged with meeting the town's public affairs and media relations needs.
Elio is the principal of his own firm, Hispanic Consulting Group. Elio has more than 20 years of experience in media, including a stint as a television reporter and news anchor for Univision. Elio also currently serves as the Board Chairman of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce. Elio will be a tremendous addition to the town.
***
The town's namesake, Marcus Tullius Cicero wrote, "That last day does not bring extinction to us, but change of place."
My place will change but I aim to stay connected to Cicero. At minimum, I look forward to continuing to coach in the Clyde Park District basketball league, to stopping by what have become some favorite restaurants, and to helping Cicero in whatever ways I remain able to do so.
It has been a distinct pleasure to work for the Town of Cicero. I leave with much knowledge gained, many friends made, and fond memories that will not soon be forgotten. I wish Larry, his team and the entire Cicero community continued success and progress toward the "New Cicero".
Thank you.
