Laurel Mourns Loss of Former Councilmember Janis Robison

From the City of Laurel:

With a heavy heart and a great sense of loss, Mayor Craig A. Moe has ordered City flags to be at half-mast to honor the life and public service of The Honorable Janis L. Robison, former City Councilmember, who passed away on Monday, March 4, 2013.    

Mayor Moe noted that Councilmember Robison served on the Laurel City Council from 2002 through the completion of her term in 2011. Mayor Moe noted that Councilmember Robison chose not to seek a fifth term to concentrate on improving and eliminating health issues she was experiencing.

Mayor Moe stated that Councilmember Robison was very active as a City Councilmember. She served as Chair of the City’s Public Works and Transportation Advisory Committee, on the Prince George’s County Municipal Association on its Legislative Committee, and provided active participation with the Maryland Municipal League and the National League of Cities, where she served on its Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Advocacy Committee in 2009. Councilmember Robison was also a graduate of the Laurel Police Department Citizens Police Academy.

Laurel’s children and their safety were paramount to Councilmember Robison.  She sponsored legislation that promoted the National Program “Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25”. She organized a sign program where residents and businesses could acquire a sign from the City for display in their yard or business window.  Public safety was her second passion. She steered the City’s Public Works and Transportation Advisory Committee through many residential safety concerns, to include areas where vehicle speed was an issue.

Councilmember Robison was also a strong advocate for the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad where the Robison family has a long history of volunteer service to both organizations.  

Mayor Moe said he is grateful for the many memories Councilmember Robison has left him and he is very grateful to have shared so many years of mutual service to the City of Laurel with her. Mayor Moe expressed his and the City's sympathies to Ms. Robison’s family, her husband John, son John, her brother John, and the extended Robison family.

Mayor Moe acknowledged the pride Councilmember Robison had for earning the trust and friendship of Laurel’s citizens, who gave her nine active productive years on the Laurel City Council and her dedication and devotion to the City she loved so much. Mayor Moe stated the flags would remain at half-mast until the day after Councilmember Robison’s funeral. A Memorial Service for Councilmember Jan Robison will be held Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 11:00am at the Laurel Presbyterian Church, 7610 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel.

Read more about Robison from The Baltimore Sun.