VAN ROBINSON, SYRACUSE'S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMON COUNCIL PRESIDENT SWORN IN

By Kofi Quaye

At noon on Tuesday, December 15, Van Robinson was sworn in as the president of the Syracuse Common Council. The oath of office was administered by Judge Neil McCurn in the Common Council Chambers and was attended by a large crowd. In a brief speech after the ceremony, Robinson stated he was proud to have been elected to 'serve the city that I love' and will do his best to make 'the educational system of the city of Syracuse one of the best and the economic development system of the city of Syracuse one of the best"

Robinson recalled that several years ago, he visited the Common Council chambers while it was in session. At the time, it was presided by the same person who had just sworn him into office.

"| said to myself: I want to be like him. I will do my best to serve you," he said.

Becoming the president of the Syracuse Common Council elevates Van Robinson to a position of power and authority, essentially placing him next to the mayor. For the African American community, his election to the presidency of the Common Council marks an epochal moment. For the first time in the city of Syracuse, the Common Council is headed by an African American

"I'm the first African American president of the Syracuse Common Council." He said.
In an interview with CNY VISION, Van Robinson, described the office of the presidency of the Common Council as being 'next in line if the mayoralty is vacated."

The duties of president of the Common Council include convening and presiding over the council's meetings and making appointments to various standing committees. The president does not vote and exercises the vote only when there is a tie.

"It's my intention to see that all laws are observed regardless of the person's race, religion, etc. I want to be assured that the city' workforce reflects the diverse population of the city," Robinson said.

Former Councilman and former Democratic City Chair, Mike Atkins said "I think Van brings a new perspective by engaging people from all communities. The fact that he received the most votes in this year's election shows that he has an opportunity to bring real diversity to the political and decision-making process. I think he will be able to engage everyone from our youth to our adults."

"This is a very historic moment. It's not everyday that African Americans in this community rise to this level of achievement," explained Gary Morris.

Morris is owner of G&R Real Estate and Robinson's Campaign Manager "Van has been a political figure in this community for many years. He knows how to get things done…
We need people like him who work for the entire community but especially for those who are underserved," Morris said.

Robinson is just finishing his ninth year as a Common Councilor and has won city wide elections five times. Prior to entering politics, he was a major figure in the Syracuse African community. He was the president of the local chapter of the NAACP. After serving for over twelve years, he was appointed the director of upstate NAACP branches.

His political career was launched when the Syracuse Common Council appointed him to the city's legislative body. To keep the seat, he had to run for re-election and has won every election since he was appointed.

Prominent members of the African American community who attended the ceremony included Mike Atkins, former Common Councilor, Sam Roberts, Bruce Conner, Roosevelt Baums, Amatula Yamini and Tom Seals, also a Common Councilor who was re-elected in the recent elections.

Family:
Van met his wife Linda Brown-Robinson more than 35 years ago in New York City and relocated to Syracuse, NY in 1968. They married in 1978. Wan and Linda decided to remain in the Central New York area and raise their family along with their cat Patches. They moved to the Greater Strathmore Neighborhood, where they currently reside.

Van and Linda have two children, Van Edward Robinson and Donetta Robinson-Williams.

Community Service:
Councilor Robinson's committee assignments have included Chairperson of Neighborhood Preservation, Downtown and Metropolitan Planning, Co-chair of the Airport Committee, the Parks and Youth Recreation Committee, the Public Works Committee, Public Safety and Veteran's Affairs Committee, the Intergovernmental Service Committee and the Joint School Construction Board (JSCB).

Affiliations:
Councilor Robinson is the founder of the Syracuse branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), He also serves on the boards several organization including the Salvation Army; F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, Elmcrest Children's Center; Advisory Board for the Kidney Foundation; and Hope for Bereavement.

Special Interests:
Councilor Robinson's special interests and concerns are increasing long-term investments in Syracuse city neighborhoods with comprehensive planning and revitalization including increasing public safety and quality-of-life and creating a "superior city for all people to live, work, visit and play."