When you first meet Curtis Axelsen you see a quiet and reserved gentleman who goes about his business in a very low-key manner. If you have the opportunity to get to know him better, you learn how good a man Curtis is and how result-oriented an individual he is.

When Curtis learned of how upset some community members were over the storage of buses at Hillside Grade School, he was first to take the initiative by approaching a board member with a no-cost solution to the problem.

When he saw the need for a lacrosse program in New Hyde Park, he organized one through PAL. My sons played¬and still do¬soccer, baseball, roller and ice hockey and, by far, the lacrosse program they are currently involved in impresses me most. Curtis' coaching style is a breath of fresh air with his main concern being that the children enjoy what they are doing. He is patient and supportive and a wonderful role model.

It was a pleasure listening to him at Meet the Candidates Night. With his appreciation and respect for basics in education, as well as his intelligence, educational background, straightforwardness and professionalism, the choice is clear.

Curtis Axelsen should be our next school board trustee.