Arlington Heights Mayor Marks Last Village Board Meeting

Arlene Mulder has touched many lives in her 22 years as mayor, including Seth Goldberg’s life.

Mulder appointed Goldberg to the Arlington Heights Commission for Citizens with Disabilities where he has worked on projects to help the disabled, including Fill the Boot campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation.

“I want to be here today because for the last 20 years, you’ve been there for us, always,” he said Monday night, speaking at Mulder’s last village board meeting.

He presented her with a plaque then serenaded Mulder in sign language to “That’s What Friends are For.” Mulder leaned her head against Goldberg, whom she met when he was a young boy, at the end of the song.

Friends, colleagues, staff and residents gathered Monday inside the village hall to show their appreciation for a mayor synonymous with Arlington Heights.

There were gifts, stories and many thanks to Mulder who promoted an open, inclusive government and consensus building.

What has guided Mulder is an abiding principal that public service is about serving residents and business owners. “Where people go wrong is they think it’s about them, it’s not,” she said.

Mulder has attended countless community events from Boy Scout programs to milestone birthdays to DARE graduations. Earlier Monday, she attended a birthday party for a 100-year-old resident.

“When I was first appointed to a park board vacancy 34 years ago, it became very apparent within the first few months that I was a public servant,” she said. “Every resident, whether 1 or 100, are my boss. My purpose in every decision and vote I cast is in the betterment of the community.”

There will be more accolades and farewells as Mulder winds down her term. An open house is planned on April 28, which the village board proclaimed Mayor Arlene Mulder Day.

Mulder will attend the board’s May 6 meeting long enough for Trustee Thomas Hayes to be sworn in as the new mayor.