Robinson moved to tears by support in Ward 25

[attach]2623[/attach]The second time was the charm for Jaye Robinson in Ward 25.

After losing the 2003 election for Don Valley West city council to Cliff Jenkins by just 80 votes, Robinson prevailed over the incumbent this time around, winning another close race by 798 votes Monday night.

She celebrated the victory with friends, family, and supporters at the Burger Cellar Restaurant in North York. Cheers rang onto Yonge Street, and Robinson was moved to tears by the overwhelming support.

“I’m ecstatic, completely over-the-moon,” Robinson said. “I’m totally surprised, just in a state of shock.”

The 48-year-old mother of three admitted that, despite hearing positive news in the media in the days leading to the election, she had been very nervous.

Not only did she avoid showing up until every last poll was counted, she also had a concession speech prepared.

“You know sometimes you brace yourself for the worst, but to come back two terms later and have this happen, it’s the most incredible night of my life.”

Robinson’s campaign had attracted attention in recent weeks as several news outlets pegged her as a potential upset candidate.

She praised her support staff, which she referred to as “a grassroots movement for change”, for the amount of effort it took to spread publicity around the Toronto’s largest ward.

“Across the city they were talking about this campaign,” Robinson said. “At the provincial level, at the federal level they were talking about it, and even the election staff.

“I know they’re not supposed to do that but they were talking about it too.”

When asked what was different this time around from the first, she was blunt: It was strength in numbers.

“We used the same model as in 2003, but just expanded it with more people,” Robinson said. “The same basic premise and strategy, but we really canvassed hard to get more communities and neighbourhoods involved.”

Jenkins, defeated, arrived at the campaign party around 10 p.m. to congratulate Robinson. He hugged his opponent, gave her a kiss, and said a few words.

Catching up with him afterwards, he had nothing but positive words for her.

“I have to congratulate Jaye Robinson, she ran just a vigorous campaign,” Jenkins said. “It was won with grace.
She did everything right, and in the end she prevailed.

Jenkins went on to admit that he will enjoy taking a break from his role as councillor, and was planning a trip to Bermuda.

However, he did emphasize that he wanted to stay involved in his community.

“I want to work with Jaye to help foster a good transition and ensure a successful next chapter,” said Jenkins.

Robinson explained that she had learned from her first attempt at running, and a key to prevailing over Jenkins in 2010 was convincing people to help out in any way possible, even if they had little political experience.

Whether through building and posting signs, designing websites, social-networking pages, collecting donations, or simply assisting with her wardrobe, she had many assistants, young-and-old, to thank.

“I really excited to see everybody involved in a municipal election that have never done so before, especially a campaign that is largely about pot holes,” Robinson said.

She went on describe congested arteries [main roads] as her number one concern.

“Our neighbourhood streets are over-used as a result,” Robinson said. “Cars come speeding through neighbourhoods not stopping at signs, and it becomes a real safety issue.”

The councillor elect then described her political philosophy, a duel-approach that integrates city wide issues, with local ones.

“Voters want to be involved in this city, and in their ward. We can provide a medium for them, so that people won’t feel alienated from city hall,” said Robinson. “This campaign is the first step in getting re-engaged.

“The community mobilized behind me and they wanted change, and they feel I can bring that change.”