Joe Atkins
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joe Atkins is a State Representative and attorney from Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. First elected in 2002, Atkins is currently in his third term. He chairs the House Commerce and Labor Committee. Atkins previously served as the Mayor of Inver Grove Heights from 1992–2002.
[edit] Biography
Born in South St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1965, Atkins grew up in Inver Grove Heights. After graduating from Simley High School in 1984, he earned his B.A. from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 1988 and his Juris Doctorate magna cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law in Saint Paul in 1991. While in college and law school, Atkins worked full-time as a law clerk and started a successful legal investigation business.
Atkins has been practicing law since 1991. He is a partner in the law firm of Thuet, Pugh, Rogosheske & Atkins in South St. Paul, one of Minnesota's oldest law firms. Atkins has earned numerous awards as an attorney, including being named one of 10 Minnesota SuperLawyers by the "Minnesota Journal of Law and Politics" and Member of the Year in 2006 by the Minnesota Association for Justice. Atkins also does significant pro bono work for those who cannot afford to hire an attorney.
Atkins and his wife, Julia, have three children: John, Tom and Katie.
[edit] Public Service
In 1987, Inver Grove Heights voters elected Atkins to the School Board. At the age of 21, he was the youngest school board member in the nation. Five years later, in 1992, he was elected Mayor of Inver Grove Heights. After serving 10 years as mayor and becoming the city's longest-serving mayor in the process, Atkins was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Atkins has garnered numerous awards for his public service, including being named one of Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the United States Jaycees in 2001. In 2003, while in his first term in the Minnesota House, Representative Atkins was selected "Freshman of the Year" by "Politics in Minnesota" magazine. Readers of the local newspaper, the "South-West Review," have also voted Atkins the "Best Local Elected Officials" 10 times, more than any other official.
Atkins was a potential candidate for the Minnesota United States Senate election, 2008.[1] He opted out, saying he preferred to remain in Minnesota.
