William Lee Robinson Papers
Collection DescriptionBiographical NoteWilliam Lee Robinson was born September 24, 1943 in Rome, Georgia. He earned a degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech and served in the U.S. Army in the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam and at Fort Stewart, Georgia. In 1972, Robinson left active duty and returned to Macon to join the family hardware business, although he continued to be active in the U.S. Army Reserve. Robinson was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1974, making him one of Georgia's youngest state senators. He authored the "Sunset Law" designed to abolish state agencies and boards that cannot prove their worth, and he fought for public initiative in Georgia. Robinson also championed the cause of open government. In 1982, Robinson left the State Senate to begin his study towards a degree at Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law. Robinson received both a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Juris Doctorate in June 1985. Robinson served as Macon's mayor from 1987 to 1991. During his term, Macon developed its model War-on-Drugs program, which is now emulated by communities around the nation. Mayor Robinson introduced strategic planning and strategic management systems to community problems. Noteworthy programs included the Quality Labor Force Council and the Mayor's Housing Council. Additionally, Mayor Robinson created the Junior City Council to introduce high school students to local government. After serving as Mayor, Lee Robinson returned to the practice of law. He is married to Irene Scales Robinson. The couple has two children, Christine Robinson Simmons and Jacquelyn. Scope and ContentThe William Lee Robinson Papers document Robinson's political career as a Georgia State Senator (1974-1982) and as mayor of the city of Macon (1987-1991). The majority of the senate papers consist of legislation and the research and correspondence related to it, including the "Sunset Law" that Robinson authored. The mayoral papers document the development of Macon's "War-on-Drugs" program and other community initiatives. Organization and ArrangementOrganized into five series: I. Senate Career, II. Mayoral Career, III. Legal Career and Personal, IV. Artifacts, and V. Audiovisual Materials. Administrative InformationConditions Governing AccessSix boxes of papers related to his service as mayor of Macon were damaged by mold and are restricted until they receive preservation treatment. All other files are open for research use. Preferred citationWilliam Lee Robinson Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641. Copyright InformationBefore material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original. Conditions Governing UseLibrary acts as "fair use" reproduction agent. Finding Aid PublicationFinding Aid prepared by Adriane Hanson, 2013-7-26. Related Materials and SubjectsSubject TermsRelated Collections in this Repository
C. Donald (Don) Johnson Papers, Record Group A: State Senate Files |
Special Collections Libraries
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-1641