Jasmine Washington in as new Village Administrator of Robbins (Robbins, IL) – Jasmine Washington was sworn in tonight as the new Village Administrator of Robbins. Washington is swapping roles with former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, who moved to Washington’s former position of Executive Assistant. Mayor Darren E. Bryant said that Stroger will be utilizing his previous experience and network to provide opportunities for the village by working with legislators in Springfield.
Washington’s appointment was unanimously approved by the trustees, and the village moved swiftly to swear her in. After Washington was sworn in, she took a moment to address the board and citizens saying, “I am 5th generation ‘Robbinite’…I am very proud of that and I am proud to be here serving in the capacity of village administrator.” She continued by describing her introduction to local Robbins politics in 2018. “I sat here, in the council room, in the audience, and I was slightly dishearted [sic] by what was happening in the community – and by some of the things that had not yet happened.” She spoke passionately about economic development and the poverty that continues to plague the village. She said she has 10+ years of experience in the public sector and is currently studying for her doctoral degree in interdisciplinary leadership. Washington thanked the mayor and trustees for their confidence in her.
Later, Washington spoke briefly to The Southland Journal following the meeting, outlining the first steps she plans to take in the Village of Robbins in her new capacity. “I want to make sure there are systems and process in place to allow us to work collaboratively,” she said when speaking of interdepartmental communication. She also said that she wanted to make sure the systems and processes are refined for the future of Robbins, so that when she is no longer there as village administrator, and when there is a change in administration, the processes will still be there to provide a good starting point.
Robbins has been under scrutiny in recent days as much of the village’s police department walked off the job on Saturday. One of the issues that the current administration has been working through is sorting through the disorder and disarray that the previous administration left. Washington’s plans for the village appear to address some of the underlying issues the current administration is faced with.
Jasmine Washington in as new Village Administrator of Robbins
