Arlington Heights' Mulder running for fifth term

With one eye on the vacant gas stations along Arlington Heights Road, Mayor Arlene Mulder will run for re-election come April.

The very visible empty lots are on busy corners and are one of Mulder's main reasons for running, she said.

"They are eyesores," said Mulder, 63. "We see closed gas stations not only in Arlington Heights, but all over the country. From an economic standpoint, we need to continue to find businesses that open in this great community."

The problem is most noticeable along southern Arlington Heights Road at Algonquin, Golf and Central roads.

"Arlington Heights has a good reputation," Mulder said. "We've done so much with the downtown, but there are other places that need attention."

She's looking to serve a fifth term as village president.

Mulder was first elected to the Arlington Heights park board in 1981 and served 10 years. She then served as village trustee before being elected to her first four-year term as village president in 1993. She was re-elected in 1997, 2001 and 2005.

With looming touch economic times, the village's budget will also pose a challenge, Mulder said.

"It's stressful," she said. "Revenues such as sales tax are decreasing because people have less disposable income. We're going to have to tighten the belt to maintain services."

Although busy, Mulder said she still enjoys leading the village board and being the top official in one of the state's larger municipalities.

"This Sunday, I went to five different events, including a fall festival, the historical museum and the senior center," she said. "I enjoy working with citizens. I know what's important for working people."

Mulder has been an Arlington Heights resident for 38 years. She and her husband Albert have three married children and five grandchildren.

The spring local election is April 7. Candidates can start collecting signatures in late October. So far, no other candidates have expressed an interest in running for Arlington Heights village president, according the clerk's office.