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Proclamation posthumously recognizing and commending The Honorable William “Bill” Russell Robinson for his dedication and service to the residents of Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, originally appointed by County Council to fill a vacancy, William “Bill” Russell Robinson was sworn into office on September 23, 2003. After completing the vacancy term, Mr. Robinson was officially sworn into office for a four-year term on January 2, 2004, and in 2007, he was re-elected by the citizens of District 10; and
WHEREAS, prior to his appointment to County Council, Mr. Robinson spent his life serving his community. He served 14 years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1988-2002) and eight years on Pittsburgh City Council (1978-1985); and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robinson graduated from The Ohio State University and Duquesne University with degrees in political science. For many years, Mr. Robinson taught history, political science and public administration at Carlow University, the University of Pittsburgh and the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). He also served on the Board of Trustees for CCAC for 21 years; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure on County Council, Mr. Robinson was appointed chairman of the budget and finance committee and also served as a member of the appointment review, health and human services, marketing, public safety and public works committees, as well as the County’s professional services review and vacant property review committees. He authored numerous pieces of legislation and demonstrated a strong interest in the county’s financial health, the role of community colleges in post-secondary education and workforce development, minority participation in public projects and economic development; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robinson received numerous awards for his leadership in politics and in the community. He was recognized by the New Pittsburgh Courier as one of its “50 Men of Excellence” and he served on the POISE Foundation, the Board of Fellows of the Institute of Politics (University of Pittsburgh), as the first Emeritus Trustee at CCAC, and as a life member of the Pittsburgh NAACP; and
WHEREAS, after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the constituents of Allegheny County, Mr. Robinson passed away on June 9, 2020 at the age of 78. He left behind his two children, Nyota N. P. Robinson and William R. Robinson II, and his mother, Annie L. Kemp Robinson;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council, on behalf of the citizens of Allegheny County, hereby recognizes The Honorable William “Bill” Russell Robinson for his contributions to Allegheny County Council and to the enhancement of the wellbeing of the County’s citizens. Mr. Robinson dedicated his life to serving the constituents of Allegheny County and he will be remembered as an exceptional community leader, always acting in the best interests of the citizens, and his legacy will serve as an inspiration to all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 9th day of June 2020.