Councilman John H. Edwards has been a proud Town of Islip resident for more than 35 years, a dedicated civic leader and successful attorney. After graduating from Islip High School, Councilman Edwards received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Boston College. Prior to attending law school, Edwards worked in the construction industry. While attending law school at night, he managed large scale construction projects in New York City and Long Island. In 1993, he earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. Councilman Edwards is a practicing attorney with an office in East Islip, and is a member of the Suffolk County and New York State Bar Associations. In addition, he is a former member of the Suffolk County Ethics Commission.

Councilman Edwards is an active volunteer for numerous non-profit and civic organizations. He is a member of the Board of Managers of the Great South Bay YMCA; a founder and trustee of Islip Children’s Endowment, a non-profit organization that raises funds to support programs for Islip schools, and a coach and former officer of the East Islip Soccer Club. In 2007, he was the recipient of the soccer club’s Distinguished Service Award. In addition, Councilman Edwards is a member of the Islip School District’s Excel Committee, a program that benefits advanced and gifted students. The committee’s mission is to develop and improve the program’s curriculum.

Since assuming office in January, 2008, Councilman Edwards has been appointed Chairman of the Town of Islip’s Clean Energy Committee; spearheaded the development of solar facilities being constructed throughout the Town and applying for federal funds to assist with such plans; proposed and passed Energy Star building requirements for residential construction within the Town; obtained a LIPA grant to assist in training building inspectors in Energy Star requirements; worked with the Town’s Youth Services Bureau to establish teen “drop-in” centers; assisted in establishing the Town as a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange for the purpose of the selling energy credits for methane burned at Town landfills; and initiated the Town applying for USTA grant funds to assist in the cost of repairing tennis courts throughout the Town’s parks.

Councilman Edwards has been married since 1989, and he and his wife have two intelligent, beautiful daughters. The councilman also is a triathlete and adventure racer.