Robinson Aims To Bring ‘Fresh, Upbeat Perspective’

Madeline Robinson is a newcomer to Lexington, having moved here with her wife and two children in the summer of 2021 to attend law school.

“We quickly fell in love with the city and everyone we met,” she said. “I grew up in a rural area of Connecticut and living in Lexington has felt a lot like coming home. I see so much passion for this city and I have been deeply inspired by the efforts individuals are willing to make to support each other and our shared vision for Lexington’s future.”

Robinson has a long history with a variety of public service, something she describes as “a duty and a privilege,” adding that it “saturates my life and the way I approach everything.”

She started in high school teaching a K-2 class at her synagogue and then in college working as a teacher’s assistant and a tutor and spent her summers working for her hometown’s public works department to help maintain the local parks and public spaces.

In addition to her law degree from Washington and Lee University, she has a postgraduate degree in social work and has worked with immigrant and refugee families and children in Scotland and as a social worker for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Denver, Colo. Since obtaining her law degree, she has worked at the Fairfield Center where she mediated child custody and support matters and the Staunton/Lexington Public Defender’s office representing clients who cannot afford an attorney. She currently works with the Charlottesville Public Defender.

“Most of my clients struggle with housing and food insecurity, mental health, addiction, unemployment, and domestic violence, among other concerns,” she said. “My job puts me on the front lines and requires a deep understanding of social justice and the supports a jurisdiction should have in place to protect their most vulnerable and to prevent crime. My expertise is interdisciplinary; I am always researching new issues and developing creative solutions with the whole community in mind, a skillset which will be instrumental in serving Lexington if I am elected.”

Robinson is seeking what would be her first term on the Lexington City Council because she wants to “elevate the voices of those who are historically discounted in the decisions made by our city government: young people, families, our LGBTQ+ and communities of color.

“I aim to bring a fresh, upbeat perspective to Lexington’s government and commit myself to bridging gaps in identity to make positive change,” she said. “All of us want to see this city thrive and work well for the people who live here. I believe I have the right energy and mindset to encourage cooperation and progress.”

Robinson has several ideas to address the city’s housing concerns, including partnering with developers who are committed to “setting aside a portion of their properties for low- to moderate-income individuals and families” and looking into the feasibility of developing community land trusts to “protect our historic and vulnerable neighborhoods from institutional creep and gentrification.”

“These efforts should preserve and revitalize the residential areas we have, while increasing rental and ownership opportunities for those who cannot otherwise afford to move to or remain in Lexington,” she said.

She’s also an advocate for improving the public transportation offered by the city and plans to work with the Maury Express and RATS to “fund longer hours and enhanced accessibility.” She also hopes to improve the city’s walking and biking routes in an effort to bolster public transportation, reduce traffic and parking congestion and provide “reliable alternatives for those who do not or cannot drive.” She also hopes to address the lack of child care options within the city and would like to create a community space which is “dedicated to hosting public forums and events.”

Robinson’s long-term goals for the city include taking a “proactive approach” to several issues, including the improving city’s aging water and sewer infrastructure and the “need for social supports to help individuals age gracefully in place.”