Jane D. Robbins

Jane D. Robbins
Member of the Compton (California) City Council from the 4th district
In office
1976–1995
Preceded by Hillard Hamm
Succeeded by Fred Cressel
Personal details
Born Jane Ellen Dickison
June 26, 1919(1919-06-26)[1]
Compton, California
Died March 1, 2008(2008-03-01) (aged 88)[2]
Nationality American
Political party Republican[3]
Spouse(s) Robert Robbins
Relations Father: Clarence Anson Dickison
Mother: Meda Kelso
Children Paula Mae Robbins
Robyn Jane Robbins
Residence Compton, California
Occupation School principal

Jane D. Robbins (born June 26, 1919—March 1, 2008)[1][2] served on the Compton City Council from 1976 until 1995.

Biography

Born Jane Ellen Dickison on June 26, 1919,[1][2] as the daughter of Clarence Anson Dickison (July 28, 1878—February 8, 1965), a school teacher, who in 1924 became Compton's first mayor and the former Meda Kelso (October 2, 1885—July 31, 1962). Both of her parents are natives of the state of Missouri.[4]

She met her future husband, Compton Police Officer Robert Robbins on a blind date. They married just three days later.[4] The union produced two daughters, Paula Mae and Robyn Jane.

In 1976, when Compton City Councilman Hillard Hamm was convicted of extortion, Robbins, won a special election to fill his seat. Prior to her election, she was principal of Dickison Elementary, named after her father.[4]

Robbins who'd rather recite a poem or share anecdotes about the city's history than debate political issues, was so beloved by her constituents, that she won reelection four times without extensive campaigning.[4] She served until 1995, when she lost a fifth reelection bid to Fred Cressel.

Upon her defeat, Omar Bradley, Compton's often controversial mayor, spoke very highly of her. "Miss Robbins never ever said a mean thing about anyone. She was never vindictive, even when she was attacked," Bradley was quoted in a Los Angeles Times article about her. "I would like to be more like that."[4]

Upon leaving office, Robbins had the distinction of having the longest tenure of service on the Compton City Council. Yvonne Arceneaux, elected to a fifth term on the Council in 2009, stands to break her record in 2012 if she remains in office.

Robbins died on March 1, 2008 at the age of 88.[2]

Political offices
Preceded by
Hillard Hamm		 Compton, California City Council
4th district
1976—1995		 Succeeded by
Fred Cressel

References

  1. ^ a b c "California Birth Index, 1905-1995 [database on-line"]. United States: The Generations Network. 2005. http://www.ancestry.com. Retrieved 2009-11-04. 
  2. ^ a b c d "Social Security Death Index [database on-line"]. United States: The Generations Network. 2009. http://www.ancestry.com. Retrieved 2009-11-02. 
  3. ^ "California Voter Registrations, 1900-1968 [database on-line"]. United States: The Generations Network. 2008. http://www.ancestry.com. Retrieved 2009-11-04. 
  4. ^ a b c d e Adams, Emily (1995-07-03). "Marking the End of Campaign Trail in Compton - Politics: Jane D. Robbins, the daughter of the city's first mayor, has witnessed dramatic changes during her 18-year council tenure". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1995-07-03/local/me-19915_1_campaign-trail. Retrieved 2009-11-03.