John B. Atkinson

After the position of city manager was created in 1942, Atkinson, who had never been involved in politics, became the front-runner for the office. It was believed that Atkinson would bring a businesslike approach to the office. He was supported by former Governor Charles F. Hurley.^[7] On January 5, 1942, the council voted 6 to 3 in favor of appointing Atkinson.^[8] As city manager, Atkinson oversaw the government of Massachusetts' fifth largest city. By 1945 he reduced the city's debt from $11.6 million to $6.4 million while lowering the tax rate.^[9] Atkinson was responsible for purchasing the city's first snow plows and modern equipment for the police and fire departments. He transferred responsibility for road repair, municipal building maintenance, and publishing from private contractors to city bureaus. After World War II he sent buyers across the United States to purchase military surplus, which allowed the city to purchase goods at a deep discount.^[3] He also served as vice-president of the International City Managers' Association.^[10] In 1948 he was reappointed by a 6 to 3 vote, with the 3 opposition councilors voting for Boston Chamber of Commerce president Michael T. Kelleher.^[11] In 1949 he earned a degree in public administration from Harvard University.^[2] On August 4, 1952, the city council voted 5 to 4 to replace Atkinson with school headmaster John J. Curry.^[12] When he left office, Cambridge was one of only two cities in the state to have a lower tax rate in 1952 than in 1941.^[5]

Following his removal, Col John B. Atkinson returned to the business of shore importation. He imported shoes from England, Italy, France, Belgium, Canada, and Mexico. He died on April 28, 1965, in Alicante.^[5]