Says it’s time for Mulder to step aside

Mrs. Arlene Mulder, it is time to retire as village president.

The local election for Arlington Heights Village Board will begin officially on Sept. 25, when candidates begin circulating petitions for the election on April 9, 2013. With that Mrs. Mulder will probably begin her campaign for an unprecedented sixth consecutive 4-year term.

Like a house guest that overstays their welcome, she should know now it is time to leave. And for many on the village board, including President Mulder, it is time to move on.

Local government is meant for democratic involvement by as many citizens as possible. Total domination of village president (and some trustee positions) does not lead to a local democracy, as clearly shown by the recent 12.7 percent voter turnout.

The Village of Arlington Heights faces many challenges in the future. Number one is the structural high vacancy rates created by failed economic policies of trustees currently on the board and president during the 1990s.

The office of village president is not Mrs. Mulder’s personal occupation. For the good of Arlington Heights she must now recognize it is time to retire and allow a new beginning with fresh ideas to solve our problems. Mrs. Mulder had her run but it is now time to turn over the keys to new leadership.

Keith A. Moens

Arlington Heights