Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, said. “When I took office, my goals were to stabilize our financial future, improve the economic and business development in Rialto, create greater job opportunities, hire the local workforce and make Rialto a safe place to live, work and play.”
(Rialto, Calif.) Newly retired, Deborah Robertson drove around Rialto and quickly decided what she would do with all that “free time.” She put all her efforts in running for mayor.
Four years later and one term as mayor, Mayor Robertson is still working to keep Rialto moving in the right direction. During her first term, which began in 2012, economic opportunities went up while crime went down. Her collaboration with neighboring cities along the Interstate 10 corridor will result in better traffic flow, even as more industrial jobs take root in the area.
“I feel the role of mayor is a calling, not just a title,” said Mayor Robertson, who was a three-term city councilwoman before her first term as mayor. “When I took office, my goals were to stabilize our financial future, improve the economic and business development in Rialto, create greater job opportunities, hire the local workforce and make Rialto a safe place to live, work and play.”
“Today, our businesses are on the rise, a greater number of residents are part of the local workforce, crime statistics are down and we as a community have made a tremendous commitment to improving our streets and roads.”
In working on the needs of the city, Mayor Robertson leaned on her vast experience. A native Californian, Mayor Robertson holds an undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and a master’s degree in Public Administration. Before retiring, she was the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Partnering with the cities of Fontana, Colton and San Bernardino, the focus has been on economic development and the creation of jobs in the fields of technology, transportation along with commercial endeavors.
“A major accomplishment has been attracting businesses to this city and the surrounding communities,” Mayor Robertson said. “We focus on where we are (geographically). The footprint has been cast. Anything that goes from the ports to the rest of the United States – 90 percent of it has to pass through the Inland Empire. We need to see the technology of moving goods and make sure the skill sets for these jobs are transferred into our community so our people are competitive.”
The biggest project for the city is the Renaissance at the north end of Rialto, formerly Rialto Airport. Through legislation, the city was able to redirect aviation activity to San Bernardino International Airport (Formerly Norton Air Force Base). More than 1,500 acres are being redeveloped into housing, commercial, industrial and entertainment areas, also bringing tax revenue and jobs.
“Rialto is the jewel of the Inland Empire,” Mayor Robertson said. “I have a plan and I want to continue to execute the plan to move Rialto forward.”
For more information about Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson go to: http://www.DeborahRobertson.org.
About Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson
Deborah Robertson was elected Mayor of Rialto in November 2012 – the latest achievement in a distinguished public service career that has included 12 years on the Rialto City Council, leadership positions at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), and more than 20 years with the California Department of Transportation.
Under Mayor Robertson’s leadership, Rialto has gained regional and national recognition for innovation in the areas of public-private partnerships, business development and job creation. The City’s refinancing and restructuring of its water and wastewater operations has become a model for other communities in California, pumping millions of dollars into the local economy.
Mayor Robertson retired from Caltrans in 2011, as Deputy District Director of External Affairs. A native Californian, she holds an undergraduate degree in Urban Planning from the University of California, San Diego, a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the City University of New York Bernard Baruch College and is a National Urban Fellows recipient. She is also a scholarship recipient and past participant of the Southern California Leadership Network.
Mayor Robertson has two children and six grandchildren, that are the joy of her life.
Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson told the students to challenge anyone with a negative image of their city. In turn, the teens put out the hashtag #RialtoPride and it immediately began trending among local students. The conversations started to center around why they love Rialto and a movement was begun.
(Rialto, Calif.) She is not from the generation that made Twitter-speak common, but Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson certainly knows her way around a hashtag.
High schoolers and young voters have taken Mayor Robertson’s re-election slogan of #RialtoPride and soon it morphed it into a new nickname for the incumbent mayor — #MayorGetItDoneRobertson.
Mayor Robertson is running for her second term as mayor, and fifth term in Rialto city government. Election Day is November 8. She is also Rialto’s first Black Mayor.
Mayor Robertson chuckled about the name given to her originally by some Rialto High School students after spending the day with her during a mock city council. It shows that beyond economic development and crime statistics, Mayor Robertson – a nearly 30-year resident – has a deep-rooted pride in her city.
“I feel the negative images of cities are often portrayed in TV shows such as ‘Cops,’ “Mayor Robertson said. “Often you see a negative image, yet crime continues to decrease in Rialto. But negatives get the program ratings.”
Mayor Robertson pointed out that in the past five years, violent crime in Rialto has steadily declined and according to city-data.com, Rialto fell below the national average in 2014 and crime continues to drop. Rialto now ranks among the top half in safest communities in San Bernardino County, city-data.com also shows. The unemployment rate in Rialto has steadily dropped since 2013, according to homefact.com and the rate is now at seven percent.
Raised in a military community in San Diego, Mayor Robertson said she learned civic pride at an early age. When new kids came to her elementary school and turned their nose up, she quickly set them straight.
“I grew up in a military town and trying to assimilate into an existing group is stressful,” Mayor Robertson said. “Kids would come in and put us down. Most kids would just listen and feel bad. My friend and I were equalizers. We told them if they didn’t like it, go back to where they came from.”
It was at this mock city council day a year ago that the idea of promoting “Rialto Pride” was initiated. Mayor Robertson said students were starting to ask questions, including why some people weren’t more positive about Rialto.
“I told them, ‘If you don’t stand up for Rialto, who is going to stand up for Rialto?’ “Mayor Robertson said. “You can lead or you can be led. That’s your choice.”
She told the students to challenge anyone with a negative image of their city. In turn, the teens put out the hashtag #RialtoPride and it immediately began trending among local students. The conversations started to center around why they love Rialto and a movement was begun.
For more information about Mayor Deborah Robertson go to: http://www.DeborahRobertson.org. About Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson
Under Mayor Robertson’s leadership, Rialto has gained regional and national recognition for innovation in the areas of public-private partnerships, business development and job creation. The City’s refinancing and restructuring of its water and wastewater operations has become a model for other communities in California, pumping millions of dollars into the local economy.
Mayor Robertson’s reason for wanting a second term is simple. “I’m not done.”
In her first term, Mayor Deborah Robertson accomplished much of what she wanted. Her focus was on keeping Rialto financially sound, moving forward on commercial and business development, generating jobs in Rialto and enhancing open space for healthy recreational usage.
(Rialto, Calif.) As Deborah Robertson moves from table to table greeting folks at Mary Stewart’s Southern Soul Food, the Mayor of Rialto looks as comfortable as if she was in her own kitchen.
In a way, she is. Mayor Robertson has called Rialto home for nearly 30 years and has served in its local government for 16 years, including three terms as a councilwoman and one as Mayor.
As she campaigns for re-election – Election Day is Nov. 8 – Mayor Robertson’s reason for wanting a second term is simple. “I’m not done.”
“I feel the role of the Mayor is a calling, not just a title,” said Mayor Robertson, who is running against current councilmember Ed Palmer. “We keep it real in Rialto. Our foundation is in a common belief of community. We’re middle class, salt of the earth people.”
In her first term, Mayor Robertson accomplished much of what she wanted. Her focus was on keeping Rialto financially sound, moving forward on commercial and business development, generating jobs in Rialto and enhancing open space for healthy recreational usage.
“The community as a whole is concerned about safety and lowering crime in the city,” said Mayor Robertson. Cutting down on crime was also a major focus in her first term as Mayor.
“I am very proud of the part the city’s police force played in response to the terrorist attack nine months ago in San Bernardino,” said Mayor Robertson. Rialto’s SWAT Team was one of the first responders in support of San Bernardino’s units.
During her time as Mayor, Rialto was also one of the first cities to have its police force wear body cameras. “As the result of a research project, the Rialto police agreed to wear the cameras for one year,” said Mayor Robertson. The results were positive and Rialto decided to keep the cameras. Robertson said it gave citizens a new perspective into law enforcement.
“It gave us empirical data, not just anecdotal,” Mayor Robertson said. “The number of complaints from citizens went down drastically. It brought about a different level of respect for the police.”
Statistically, both violent crime and property crime have gone down in each year of Robertson’s first term as Mayor.
In 2014, Rialto dropped below the national average in violent crime rate for the first time in 12 years, according to City-Data.com. Mayor Robertson is also one of four Mayors in San Bernardino County that have been very vocal about the illegal gun problem.
Under Mayor Robertson’s leadership, Rialto has gained regional and national recognition for innovation in the areas of public-private partnerships, business development and job creation. The City’s refinancing and restructuring of its water and wastewater operations has become a model for other communities in California, pumping millions of dollars into the local economy.
A leading voice on regional and national infrastructure issues, Mayor Robertson chairs the Public Health Subcommittee for SCAG’s 2016 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, is a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council and Metro Economies, and member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.
She is a founding board member for the NFL/AFL Youth Life Skills Camp, has hosted the annual State of Women event in Rialto for the past seven years, and was recognized by Assembly Member Cheryl Brown as 47th District Woman of the Year.
Mayor Robertson was instrumental in developing Rialto’s Transportation Commission and coordinated a transportation summit for the region. Her wielding influence and determination have helped bring new businesses and housing to the City of Rialto.
With all that she has done Mayor Robertson still has the time for family, two children and six grandchildren, that are the joy of her life.
(LOS ANGELES) The website of professional photographer Robert Yager contains 30 disturbing images of anonymous gang members in Los Angeles.
One of those copyrighted images on www.robertyager.com is a snarling, gun-wielding Latino gang-banger, which Yager shot on a street in Los Angeles. It gained recent notoriety when it appeared in a flier the Rialto police and fire unions put out in support of the re-election of current Mayor Grace Vargas.
“You will be seeing a lot more of us if Deborah Robertson is elected Mayor” warns the flier in type over the gang member’s photo. Union officials acknowledge they’re sending this message out because of past votes Robertson took, which they believe aren’t in the union members’ best interests.
Yager didn’t know his photo was circulating in Rialto until he saw a television report on Oct. 28. He then contacted Robertson by email.
“I am wondering how and why they came to use my photo,” Yager said in his email. I did not give the Fire Department or Police Department permission to use this photo. It is a copyrighted image.”
Robertson also wonders what the union leaders were thinking.
“It seems our police and fire unions used Robert Yager’s photographs without permission, a clear copyright infringement,” she said. Some people would call that theft. It seems they took what they wanted and ignored what might happen.”
Public safety is one of Robertson’s goals, and will continue to be if she’s elected Mayor.
“If I’m Mayor, people will have sense that safety is a priority with the city,” she said. “But it’s not the only priority.”
She also will give a high priority to economic development, which she says is essential for strengthening a tax base to provide essential city services.
Robertson has served on the Rialto City Council eight years and has lived in Rialto for 20. She’s active in the East Rialto Kiwanis, the National Council of Negro Women, HIV/AIDS awareness and education program Brothers and Sisters in Action and other local organizations.
In addition to her elected seat on the Council, Robertson is also the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She has worked for the State of California for the last 20 years, and in her current position oversees a budget of about $6 million, plus is responsible for Public, Media and Government Affairs, Public Records, Small Business and Community Outreach and Graphic Service.
Robertson is endorsed by the San Bernardino Sun, Black Voice News, Inland Valley News, the Press-Enterprise and Westside Story. She’s also endorsed by mayors, city council members, commissioners and school board members from throughout the Inland Empire, and numerous organizations and private citizens. A few of her endorsements are from Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, Colton City Council Member Kelly Chastain, Rialto City Council Member Winifred Hanson, former Assembly member John Longville, Rialto School Board Member Dan Mays, Ontario City Council Member Alan Wapner, Fontana City Council Member Aquanetta Warren, Rialto Commissioner Midge Zupanic and the Rialto Democratic Club.
“Rialto needs Deborah Robertson as mayor. The two-term councilwoman’s smarts, tenacity and commitment to taxpayers are Rialto’s best defense to unstable economic factors that threaten its progress.” San Bernardino Sun editorial, Oct. 8, 2008
“Deborah Robertson is an assertive city councilwoman who espouses vision and an eagerness for the city to move forward on longstanding programs,” Riverside Press-Enterprise article, Oct. 4, 2008
“Robertson can provide energetic leadership and a pragmatic approach to city government … the better choice for mayor.” Riverside Press-Enterprise editorial, Oct. 25, 2008.
“Who is putting forth the energy and vision to turn the corner to greatness for Rialto? To me, Deborah (Robertson) will bring that energy and the knowledge of state government to turn that corner.” Editorial by Hardy Brown, publisher of Black Voice News, Oct. 9, 2009.
(RIALTO, Calif.) If elected Rialto Mayor on Tuesday, Deborah Robertson will fight for both economic development and public safety.
“I will focus on bringing more businesses, restaurants and entertainment to Rialto, so we can have a solid tax base to support our services, such as law enforcement and fire protection,” she said.
As Mayor, Robertson said she will devote her time to meeting with business leaders and developers from outside the city to convince them to establish or relocate businesses to Rialto. This will not only bring in revenue, but also make the city a more attractive place to live and do business.
“I will be out there as the number one spokesman for the city,” she said. “I’ll be working with our Economic Development Department and our Redevelopment Department. There are great opportunities for development in key areas, such as the “Renaissance” area near the Rialto Airport, and in the undeveloped areas at the northern and southern edges of the city.”
Robertson said she will also strive to improve the overall appearance of the city, through improved planning of how neighborhoods and business centers are laid out.
Public safety is also important, she said.
“If I’m Mayor, people will have sense that safety is a priority with the city,” she said. “But it’s not the only priority.”
Robertson has served on the Rialto City Council eight years and has lived in Rialto for 20. She’s active in the East Rialto Kiwanis, the National Council of Negro Women, HIV/AIDS awareness and education program Brothers and Sisters in Action and other local organizations.
In addition to her elected seat on the Council, Robertson is also the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She has worked for the State of California for the last 20 years, and in her current position oversees a budget of about $6 million, plus is responsible for Public, Media and Government Affairs, Public Records, Small Business and Community Outreach and Graphic Service.
Robertson is endorsed by the San Bernardino Sun, Black Voice News, Inland Valley News, the Press-Enterprise and Westside Story. She’s also endorsed by mayors, city council members, commissioners and school board members from throughout the Inland Empire, and numerous organizations and private citizens. A few of her endorsements are from Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, Colton City Council Member Kelly Chastain, Rialto City Council Member Winifred Hanson, former Assembly member John Longville, Rialto School Board Member Dan Mays, Ontario City Council Member Alan Wapner, Fontana City Council Member Aquanetta Warren, Rialto Commissioner Midge Zupanic and the Rialto Democratic Club.
“Rialto needs Deborah Robertson as mayor. The two-term councilwoman’s smarts, tenacity and commitment to taxpayers are Rialto’s best defense to unstable economic factors that threaten its progress.” San Bernardino Sun editorial, Oct. 8, 2008
“Deborah Robertson is an assertive city councilwoman who espouses vision and an eagerness for the city to move forward on longstanding programs,” Riverside Press-Enterprise article, Oct. 4, 2008
“Robertson can provide energetic leadership and a pragmatic approach to city government … the better choice for mayor.” Riverside Press-Enterprise editorial, Oct. 25, 2008.
“Who is putting forth the energy and vision to turn the corner to greatness for Rialto? To me, Deborah (Robertson) will bring that energy and the knowledge of state government to turn that corner.” Editorial by Hardy Brown, publisher of Black Voice News, Oct. 9, 2009.
(RIALTO, Calif.) Rialto City Council member Deborah Robertson is ready to lead the city as mayor.
“I have vision, leadership ability and commitment to lead Rialto through what will be a time of great opportunity,” she said. “We are facing challenges now, so it’s important to have strong leadership to steer us through them.
“My top priority as mayor will be to strengthen Rialto’s economic base,” Robertson continued. “We need to build up our revenue, so we can provide all of our citizens public safety, quality businesses and the other essentials of a good life in Rialto.”
Robertson has served on the Rialto City Council eight years and has lived in Rialto for 18. She’s active in the East Rialto Kiwanis, the National Council of Negro Women, HIV/AIDS awareness and education program Brothers and Sisters in Action and other local organizations.
In addition to her elected seat on the Council, Robertson is also the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She has worked for the State of California for the last 20 years, and in her current position oversees a budget of about $4 million, plus is responsible for Public, Media and Government Affairs, Public Records, Small Business and Community Outreach and Graphic Service.
As she has on the Council, Robertson stated as Mayor she will continue to carefully analyze the issues before her and make decisions that are in the best interest of the city.
“I tend to be analytical and well-focused and ask a lot of specific questions,” she said. “When I am clear on the position we should take I am assertive about what I think is in the best interests of the city. However, I am not so dogmatic that if new information develops, I won’t change my mind if it is in the city’s best interest to do so.”
“We should not take action out of dire necessity,” she said. “We should make plans, and allow time for careful review before we implement them.”
Robertson stated she is endorsed by the San Bernardino Sun, Black Voice News, Inland Valley News and Westside Story. She’s also endorsed by mayors, city council members and school board members from throughout the Inland Empire, commissioners on Rialto’s advisory boards and numerous organizations and private citizens.
“Rialto needs Deborah Robertson as mayor. The two-term councilwoman’s smarts, tenacity and commitment to taxpayers are Rialto’s best defense to unstable economic factors that threaten its progress.” San Bernardino Sun editorial, Oct. 8, 2008
“Deborah Robertson is an assertive city councilwoman who espouses vision and an eagerness for the city to move forward on longstanding programs,” Riverside Press-Enterprise article, Oct. 4, 2008
“Who is putting forth the energy and vision to turn the corner to greatness for Rialto? To me, Deborah (Robertson) will bring that energy and the knowledge of state government to turn that corner.” Editorial by Hardy Brown, publisher of Black Voice News, Oct. 9, 2009.
Deborah Robertson with Artist Gilbert and Joanne who support Debora Robertson for Mayor of Rialto. Photo by: Carl Dameron —
(RIALTO, Calif.) Mayoral candidate Deborah Robertson will host a fund raiser event 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the ACQUIRE Learning Center, 1188 W. Leiske Dr.
The event is an opportunity for Rialto business and community leaders to meet Robertson. She will address key campaign issues and community concerns.
Robertson has served on the Rialto City Council eight years and has lived in Rialto for 18 years. She’s active in the East Rialto Kiwanis, the National Council of Negro Women, HIV/AIDS awareness and education program Brothers and Sisters in Action and other local organizations.
She is also the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She has worked for the State of California for the last 20 years, and in her current position oversees a budget of about $4 million, plus is responsible for public, media and government affairs, public records, small business and community outreaches and graphic services.
To RSVP for the event, call Eddie Catoe at (909) 888-0017.
