Jim Tinaglia, an architect with a long history of community service, was voted in as mayor of Arlington Heights (IL) this spring. When people ask him what it’s like to be mayor, he says that he always tells them his job is 90% wonderful. “People have been so respectful, decent, optimistic and kind,” Tinaglia says.

“The 10 percent is the scary part because there are surprises here and there you have to be ready for. People get unhappy and there are situations that come up that you can’t plan for.” It’s his job to be as level-headed, transparent and middle-of-the-road as possible, he explains.