Palatine plaza renamed for former Mayor Rita Mullins

The plaza that former Palatine mayor Rita Mullins had built at the corner of Northwest Highway and North Hicks Road to recognize community volunteers now bears her name.

Dozens of residents whom Mullins inspired to volunteer on committees and commissions gathered at Volunteer Plaza Saturday to dedicate a stone and monument sign recognizing her 28 years of service to the village.

"It's overdue," said Carol Brandt of Brandt Financial Concepts, who was Mullins' employer before she became mayor. "She has done so much for the community. It's great to see her recognized."

Mullins, 64, served eight years as village clerk followed by five terms as mayor before being unseated in April by Jim Schwantz, 39.

"I am very honored and humbled by the outpouring of people from around the community that came today, and I am very thankful," Mullins said. "I've had a wonderful life in Palatine and I will continue to be active in the community. All I ask is that they remember that I love them and I love the community."

Several residents praised Mullins' efforts toward downtown redevelopment, beautification, addressing crime, and most of all getting people involved in government and community service.

"I think it's well deserved," said Thakar Basati, a Realtor and leader with Punjabi Cultural Society and Sikh Religious Society in town. "She is very supportive of diversity. She also put ethnic groups on her committees."

Basati worked with Mullins on the Vision in Progress committee that helped create the Palatine Opportunity Center, a nonprofit providing social services for residents in the northeast part of town.

Community activist Pamela Olander said if it weren't for Mullins, Palatine residents may not have known about the vibrant Sikh community in their midst.

"Everyone likes to talk about tolerance and diversity, but Rita brings these concepts to life," Olander said. "Rita reached out to them ... helped to mainstream this community."

Olander said Mullins also inspired women and has been a role model for children instilling pride in government and of being American.

"Being an American doesn't mean excluding people, it means including people and Rita is the epitome of that ideal," she said.