Community greets new Arlington Hts. manager

Arlington Heights community members, staffers and business leaders got their first chance to meet with new village manager Randy Recklaus during a meet and greet session Wednesday afternoon at village hall.

Recklaus started in his position on Monday and takes over from longtime manager Bill Dixon who retired in June.

"Arlington Heights is a premier community in the Northwest suburbs, and I'm excited to join the team," Recklaus said.

Recklaus, 39, was most recently village manager of Clarendon Hills and spent 11 years as assistant city administrator in Batavia.

He said he is most looking forward to working on the budget process as the village changes its fiscal year, working out the details of a new police station and continuing to improve Arlington Heights' local business environment as the economy continues to improve.

Recklaus will be paid an annual salary of $180,000 along with a stipend for transportation, moving expenses and a cellphone, according to his contract.

"His credentials really speak for themselves. He has a great personality and a great management style," said Trustee John Scaletta. "During the hiring process we aked him challenging questions and he was up to the task. We also think he will think outside the box to help Arlington Heights."

Area school board members, library board members, business owners, village staffers and residents came on Wednesday to meet the new manager and talk about their role in the community.

"I'm excited to work with him," said Arlen Gould, Wheeling Elementary District 21 board member. "The fact that they hired him so quickly and with such a great skill set is a good sign. Arlington Heights has a tradition of working closely with the community and that's something I know Randy will continue."

Others said they hoped a new manager will help the business community as well.

"It's important to get to know city officials and find out what is going on in Arlington Heights because we do a lot of business here," said Greg Barnhart, owner of area food truck Toasty Cheese.

Recklaus said he and his wife, Tracy, are still looking for a house in Arlington Heights, but they hope to move to the village soon with their two young children.

"Anytime there are fresh ideas or a refocusing, that's always good," said Jim Platt, business development director with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce. "If Randy can do the kinds of things Bill (Dixon) did for this community, then he has a good, long career ahead of him."