GENERAL INFORMATION
Name: PATRICE ROBINSON
Candidate for: City Council District 3
Date of Birth: 09-03-1955
Occupation: RETIRED
Educational Background:
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- High School: The Whitehaven High School, 1972
- College: Memphis State University, 1981
- Masters/Ph.D (if applicable): The University of Tennessee, Master of Science, 1990
Family: I am the daughter of the Late Rev. Ammon Jordan, Jr. and Rosetta H. Jordan. I have been married since December 1976 to Jackie Robinson. We have three children; Gina, Jaee and Jordan II; two granddaughters, Demetria and Raya; and two great grandchildren, Madilyn and Ayden.
Community Involvement: 1Valleywood Homeowners Association – Foundering member, President, Activities Chairman
2Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Chaired the 2005 Blue Revue
3Leadership Memphis Board of Directors
4Paula Ratchford Ministries Board of Directors
5American Association of Blacks in Energy, Education Chair (2007-2012)
6Tennessee Legislative Network, Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA), 2007-2011
7Memphis (TN) Chapter, The Links, Inc., member since 2003: served 10 years as co-chair of the Holiday Cotillion
8National Council of Negro Women, member since 2014
9NAACP Lifetime Silver member
10Faith Temple Ministries C.O.G.I.C., member since 1983; Director of the Women’s Ministry
WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA
Official Campaign Website: www.cwpatricerobinson.com
Twitter: twitter.com/@councilwomanpjr
Instagram: instagram.com/@councilwomanpjr
CANDIDATE SURVEY:
What background/experience distinguishes you from the other candidates who want voters to elect them?
ROBINSON’s response:
I have served as a Commissioner on the Memphis/Shelby County Schools Boards of Education for 13 years and served as president for City Schools for 2 years. I currently serve on the Memphis City Council as Vice Chair. To date, I’ve successfully served on the Council for 3.8 years representing Whitehaven, Oakhaven, Hickory Hill and Fox Meadows.
What are the top three issues facing the City of Memphis?
ROBINSON’s response:
The three major challenges facing the City and District 3 are 1) new revenue, 2) research-based and community friendly safety initiatives, and 3) poverty/blight.
What do you propose to address the three issues you rank as top priorities?
ROBINSON’s response:
In order to provide expanded service or service excellence, the City will need to study ways to increase revenue. Citizens are not willing currently to pay more taxes. I believe that we should create housing programs, recreational activities and other amenities that will draw people back to a safer and more aesthetically beautiful city that’s full of life. Workforce Development and technical trainings as well as companies that pay living wages and above will create an environment that can reduce the poverty level. Public information sessions on economic development, financial literacy, and the care of our homes and community is crucial to our success. Peace coalitions and safe communities/spaces will help to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Do you favor the call for a half-cent sales tax increase to restore healthcare and retirement benefits for police officers and firefighters cut in 2014?
ROBINSON’s response:
Yes, I favor restoring healthcare and retirement benefits.
Do you think the local PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program needs to be reformed? If so, why and how?
ROBINSON’s response:
Yes, I believe that the local PILOT program should be reviewed and revised as necessary in order to help Memphis and Shelby County achieve its’ changing goals. New goals should be established as needed, as well as objective oversight.
Do you see a risk of displacement and gentrification connected to the development boom in Memphis? If so, how would you address that risk from the position you seek?
ROBINSON’s response:
Currently, I do not see a risk of displacement and gentrification connected to the perceived development boom in Memphis.
African-American-owned businesses have made up only 1 percent of all Memphis business receipts for several decades. If elected, do you see playing a role in changing that statistic? If so, what do you think that role would entail?
ROBINSON’s response:
As an elected legislative body, I believe our role should be to keep an eye on the budget and encourage City administrators to utilize African-American owned businesses.
