Atkinson appointed Lynbrook trustee

As an attorney, Tom Atkinson is no stranger to having to make tough decisions. And as a new village board trustee, he plans to focus his energy on issues that are close to his heart and to be a voice for Lynbrook residents.

Atkinson, 40, grew up in the village and attended Our Lady Of Peace School, where he met his wife of 12 years, Jennifer. The couple have two young sons, Tommy and Sean.

After graduating from Chaminade High School in Mineola, Atkinson studied history and business administration at Villanova, graduating in 1992, and earned a law degree from Rutgers Law School in 1998. He is now a partner with the village attorney, Peter Ledwith, at Ledwith & Atkinson, a Lynbrook firm that handles personal injury, medical malpractice and municipal law.

Atkinson joins the village board during a period of transition, filling the last vacant seat after the resignation of former Mayor Brian Curran, who was elected to the State Assembly in November.

The Herald talked with Atkinson about the upcoming challenges of Lynbrook’s governmental transition and the tough economic times.

Q: How do you feel about becoming a trustee?

A: It’s a thrill. You feel a lot of emotions. It is unbelievably humbling. I had to step forward to take the position. As you are in the position, you roll up your sleeves and work. I’m lucky to work here and raise a family here. I love Lynbrook, and it’s exciting to get this opportunity and have an influence.

Q: How did the idea of being a trustee come up?

A: A couple of months ago, [then Deputy Mayor] Bill Hendrick contacted me about considering the job. They were under discussions with Brian [Curran] leaving the board and then me coming on the board and there being changes.

Q: What are the best pieces of advice the other board members gave you?

A: Bill [Hendrick] has been on the board for a long time, so his advice was more about wisdom and going the long term because of his experience. [Mike] Hawxhurst, who sits next to me, has a financial background and his interest is in tracking every dollar. Alan Beach had advice from a management perspective, which I found interesting. He has a propensity to get things done. And Hilary [Becker] is a business owner in town so he was very helpful in that respect.