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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Christina Gosack 651-296-5524
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ATKINS SELECTED FOR “WHO’S WHO IN AMERICA”
State Representative Joe Atkins has been selected for inclusion in the 60th edition of “Who’s Who in America." Atkins, who has served in the Minnesota House since 2003, previously served as the mayor of Inver Grove Heights and on the school board. Atkins remains the city’s longest-serving mayor, serving from 1993-2003.
Atkins said he felt honored to have been nominated, let alone selected, for inclusion. “They must have lowered their standards if they let me in,” said Atkins of the publication, which includes only 0.03% of those eligible, less than 1 out 30,000.
When Atkins was mayor, over $20 million in public projects were constructed without city property tax dollars, including the community center, library, Rich Valley park complex, and Cahill improvements. The city’s property tax rate became the 3rd lowest in the state for cities of 20,000 people or more, and Inver Grove Heights was awarded one of the highest bond ratings in Minnesota.
As a state representative, Atkins, an attorney, gained statewide and national attention when he helped pass the nation’s toughest methamphetamine law, and his successful efforts as chief author of the country’s strictest illegal steroid law have been followed by lawmakers across the country as well as by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, MSNBC, and the Associated Press. But Atkins says he’s most proud of a new law he authored that prevents sex offenders from being granted custody of children.
Atkins’ biography was selected by “Who’s Who” for the “reference value of his achievements,” according to Robert Docherty, Editorial Director of the publication.
“I would rather have them honor the extraordinary people I have had a chance to work with,” said Atkins, “They’re the ones who deserve the credit.”
Representative Atkins has received several other awards, including being named one of 10 Outstanding Young Americans by the U.S. Jaycees and “Legislator of the Year” by various publications and groups.
News Items
- Rep. Atkins, Sen. Lourey Introduce Health Insurance Exchange Legislation - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:44PM)
- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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