Learning her way around

A Q&A with Erin King Sweeney, our new town councilwoman

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It has been a little more than two months since Erin King Sweeney was appointed the new councilwoman in the Town of Hempstead’s 5th District, following the retirement of Angie Cullin.

King Sweeney, who grew up in Seaford and now lives in Wantagh with her husband, John, and two school-aged children, is an attorney who specializes in transportation law and corporate affairs. She is a partner in the firm McBreen & Kopko.

She said she hates anything that runs inefficiently, and looks to be a representative who gets things done for residents.

The Herald sat down with King Sweeney last week to hear about her first couple of months in office, to get her thoughts on some town-related Baldwin issues and to see what she has in store for communities she now represents, including Freeport, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford and Point Lookout.

Herald: When Councilwoman Angie Cullin was getting ready to retire, were you approached to replace her or did you seek the position?

Erin King Sweeney: I’ve always been involved locally in politics. So when I heard she was thinking of retiring, I sort of jumped at the opportunity.

H: What’s the experience been like so far?

EKS: It’s been a complete whirlwind. It’s a really diverse district — from Seaford to Baldwin and Point Lookout and Lido [Beach].

There’s a lot to get up to speed on. Not just in a political way, but in a community way, like who the leaders in each community are, what issues there are … it’s a lot to get up to speed on. Pretty much my last two months have been filled with meeting people.

H: How has it been balancing your professional career, family life and your duties as councilwoman?

EKS: There are definitely not enough hours in the day. My job is flexible, though — I’m a part-time partner at a law firm.

H: Since you were appointed instead of elected to this position, how does that impact the beginning of your political career?

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