SYCAMORE | If Bill Nicklas clipped out of every article in local newspapers in which his name was mentioned, he wouldn’t need wallpaper.

Since 1988, he has been one of the main sources of information on the DeKalb and Sycamore governments. But even though reporters and townsfolk frequently talk about him, he doesn’t like to talk much about himself.

Born a twin in Pittsburgh in late October of 1948, Nicklas is the type of guy who works hard in politics but remains a Joe Everybody. Nicklas’ attitude toward his position as Sycamore city manager is that of someone who actually enjoys showing up to work in the wee hours.

Northern Star: What exactly is your job?

Bill Nicklas: I’m the chief operating officer in Sycamore. Departments answer to me; I delegate authority to department heads — it’s a pyramidal thing. I work long hours, about 70 to 80 hours in an average week, but that changes. Sometimes in the year, they’re longer if we’re working on the budget.

NS: Is there a need for a city planner?

BN: It’s an unfunded priority. There’s room in the budget, but it’s better for a public worker or fireman. If there’s a fire, the people won’t be asking for the city planner; they’ll want a fireman.

NS: What does the job mean to you?

BN: I love my job. I always have. I’ve been a public administrator for a little over 20 years. As a kid, I was always interested in government. I was a contractor in the county for 10 years, so I rubbed up against the government with building and permitting. I was interested in things working a little bit better. I worked my way through college as a carpenter’s apprentice and laborer. I was going to grad school in 1970 and supported myself through the trades. I was tired of people throwing hammers at me and in my late 30s [I was] not going to make it to retirement, with my knees and back. I received my doctorate in history by that time.

NS: You worked in DeKalb?

BN: Yes. I thought I would leave public service in 1997, but the opportunity [in Sycamore] came up in 1998. I took a year-hiatus and worked for a local bank. I was approached by a former mayor and alderman. The council felt they needed someone more involved.

NS: You do have a master’s and doctorate?

BN: Yes. They’re all in American history. I went to Bucknell in Pennsylvania and got my bachelor’s in American history. The second semester of my last year, the head of the department asked, “Nicklas, what are you going to do with yourself?” He knew someone at Northern and I got some assistantship with some money. There was one slot left. I got $230 a month for room and board. I finished my master’s in ’73 and then my doctorate in ’83.

NS: So you knew no one when you came to DeKalb?

BN: Yeah, I came out in ’70, I had a ’63 F-85 Cutlass, it had seats that flipped out to the sides. I stayed in the Rice Hotel for a couple of weeks. But I’ve always said there was a warmth in this part of the country. The people treated me well.

NS: Is there a remarkable event that stands out in your mind?

BN: The flooding in the mid-’90s. What people had to do for days; there was a lot of goodwill and cooperation. In a disaster, resources are overwhelmed. There was a lot of public initiative. It was humbling; instead of a catastrophe, we had cooperation. It was a good thing.