Former Arlington Heights mayor Mulder picked for horse racing board

Former Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder has been named to the state board that regulates horse racing.

Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed the retired Mayor Tuesday to sit on the Illinois Racing Board. The board sets the annual race calendar for tracks across the state, including Arlington International Racecourse.

Rauner's appointment message says Mulder is a "temporary appointment" and must be confirmed by the Illinois Senate, like the many new officeholders he's picking in the infant weeks of his new administration. She replaces Racing Board Chairman William Berry of downstate Collinsville.

Mulder's appointment does not make her chairman, Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said. Rauner will appoint a chairman later.

Arlington spokesman Thom Serafin called Mulder a smart, independent person who would serve well on the board.

The job pays $12,527 per year.

Mulder left her post as mayor in 2013 after 20 years.