Arlington Heights Mayor Talks Retirement

After more than three decades of service and 20 years in office, Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder prepares for retirement. Mulder’s fifth and final four-year term as village board president expires in the spring of 2013.

“It’s very emotional,” Mulder said, “It’s been such an honor to serve in this capacity and I’ve basically given all my energy to do it.”

A dedicated public servant, Mulder said it will be difficult to leave her post at village hall but as hard as that may be, Mulder said the timing feels right.

“I would not be able to leave if there was some overwhelming issue that needed attention,” said Mulder. With a balance budget and a five-year project plan, Mulder said Arlington Heights is in a good, stable spot.

While confident in the village’s current status, Mulder knows there is still work to be done in Arlington Heights—Work she won’t be around to complete.

“We do have projects that need to be done but we’re going to hold off until we pass off some old debt,” said Mulder.

Part of the five-year plan, the village plans to hold off on projects like the $40 million police station, until old bonds start to retire in 2016. “We’re constantly trying to figure out all the stuff we can do without raising property taxes,” Mulder said, “That can be a bit of a struggle.” 

The village's longest serving mayor, Mulder said she faced some of the most difficult challenges during the last few years of her tenure. “The economic downturn had so many impacts that really affect the community," Mulder said, “It’s so sad to see people who have suffered job loss.” 

Budget cuts hit the village hard in 2011 and Mulder had to say goodbye to people and programs that were hard to lose. “We had to cut staff we had to cut programming, and that was tough.”

Looking back at her prouder moments, the mayor rattled off a long list of projects, programs, policies and events she’s been a part of but even after 20 years in office, Mulder insists that individually, she hasn’t accomplished a thing.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything,” Mulder said, “I’ve just tried to make the right environment for everyone to work together.”

When asked her biggest achievement as mayor, Mulder said, “People waste time and money in government because of conflict with another section or department, so I think I’d say strong relationships.”

It's those relationships with village trustees, staff and residents Mulder will miss most.

A highly accessible and active mayor, Mulder said she's ready to focus on a different role. The mayor said, “I’m looking forward to being a more committed, active family member." 

The mother of three adult children and grandmother to five kids, Mulder said, "I better enjoy them while I still can." Between meetings and making appearances, Mulder said her busy schedule can be tough. 

“There’s been too many birthdays and things that have had to be rescheduled, celebrated on different days.” In order to spend more time with her family, Mulder decided not to seek re-election.

One of the most difficult decisions she’s ever made, Mulder said she weighed the pros and cons more than a year before she ultimately decided not to run for re-election. As Patch previously reported, Mulder announced her retirement to the village board in a closed executive session back in September. 

Spring 2013 will be the first time Arlington Heights residents will have a new mayor since 1993. “I have no concerns,” Mulder said, “This is a special place; no elected official is going to change that, not even if they tried.”

As Mulder wraps up her final term, the mayor said she has no regrets and she could not have asked for a better experience.

“I’ve tried to be everything people wanted me to be and I love this place,” Mulder said, “I just couldn’t imagine a better place to live.”