Worthington City Council unanimously passed Resolution 61-2025 on Monday evening, recognizing Council Member David Robinson for his eight years of dedicated service to the community. Robinson, who served from January 2018 through December 2025—including two years as City Council President in 2022 and 2023—was celebrated for his numerous contributions to the city.
A Legacy of Sustainability and Citizen Engagement
City Manager Robyn Stewart highlighted several of Robinson's key achievements, particularly his championing of the community electric aggregation program. The initiative combined cost savings for residents with investment in renewable energy, creating what Stewart called a program that's "been well received in the community."
Robinson also co-chaired the vision implementation team for "Worthington offers a high quality of life," advocating for an expanded tree planting program, increased access to the arts, and broader dining options throughout the community. He additionally initiated the discussion that led to the city's commemorative flag guidelines.
Stewart praised Robinson's willingness to challenge the status quo, noting that she always appreciated that he was "willing to challenge our way of thinking and consider different points of view... so that we hopefully come together around better policies." She presented him with a framed display of his council nameplates.
Personal Reflections on Public Service
In an extended and heartfelt address, Robinson thanked the city's department heads and directors, offering personal remarks to several staff members. He specifically praised Director of Law Tom Lindsey for his "rock solid commitment" to objective public service and integrity, Parks & Recreation Director Darren Hurley for his love of nature, Police Chief Stephen Mylett for his dedication to community policing, and Planning & Building Director R. Lee Brown for navigating the challenging waters of land use decisions.
Robinson reflected on his journey into local politics, which began in December 2014 when neighbors organized around the potential creation of a pocket park on the former Masonic properties. Though that effort was unsuccessful, it led to the Keep Worthington Beautiful Charter Amendment campaign and ultimately inspired his council candidacy.
"When the residents of Worthington, when we are energized and organized around something we deeply care about, we can do great things—unexpected things," Robinson said. He described this principle as informing his approach to "resident-centered policy" throughout his tenure.
Robinson spoke movingly about the privilege of serving in local government: "It has made real for me... how fortunate we are to be a self-governing people, and how rare that is really in the history of humanity. And it's just a remarkable experience to be going through the tussle of public opinion and legislation and all those things."
He expressed confidence in the community's direction and noted that when the New Year strikes, he will "once again rejoin the ranks of the unencumbered citizen." He pledged to remain engaged with the community "in our efforts to keep Worthington both bountiful and beautiful."
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
Community Members Pay Tribute
Several residents addressed council to honor Robinson's service.
Vice-Mayor Joseph Mas noted that "service is the rent that we pay for our life here on Earth" and thanked Robinson for his gift to the community.
One resident praised Robinson as having "recognition of the importance and dignity of residents and the historical character of Worthington," noting his "perseverance to reach goals for our common good." They observed that his civic involvement has set a good example, noting "a lot of people have gotten involved since 2014."
Another resident called Robinson "a great example to what it means to be a public servant in a representative democracy," citing his fiscal responsibility, community outreach through citizen meetings and blogs, and innovative ordinance requiring citizen participation in significant zoning changes.
Still another resident spoke of Robinson's ethics and integrity, noting his accounting background and master's degree in divinity, and calling him "a fantastic friend."
Fellow Council Members Express Gratitude
Council members reflected on their years serving alongside Robinson.
Council Member Pete Bucher spoke first, thanking Robinson for his eight years of service and noting how much he learned from him as an incumbent. "You as well as President Dorothy and Pro Tem Kowalczyk were some of the incumbent members when I joined and so I appreciate getting to learn from sitting back and watching experienced members," Bucher said. He specifically thanked Robinson for their work together on sustainability initiatives, pledging to continue those efforts with the next council. "I will do my best with the next council to try to get a few more of those things done with you hopefully helping from the outside, trying to engage the community on that." Bucher also praised Robinson's demeanor during tough conversations and his thoughtful lines of questioning.
Council President Pro Tem Beth Kowalczyk reflected on their shared journey since 2018. "Mr. Robinson, we began our service on council together in 2018. And we've seen this community navigate some complex and sometimes difficult issues. I think we've been through a lot in the last eight years," she said. "And so I appreciate the commitment it takes to serve on council and I wish you well moving forward."
Council Member Katy Brewer offered a personal tribute: "David, I would not be sitting up here if it wasn't for you. I know that we've gone through good stuff and bad stuff and I don't take any of it back. And I really thank you for bringing me to where I am and I wish you the best."
Council President Rachael Dorothy noted that Robinson brought "passion to every single thing you do. You definitely have a strong conviction and truly believe in what you're advocating for, and that's something that is to be respected."
Council Member Rebecca Hermann offered a particularly personal reflection, acknowledging the challenge of giving up family time for public service. "I know that we've been on opposite ends sometimes," she said. "But there were times throughout a lot of the conversations—even before I got on council—when my husband and I would say, man, we would probably be really good friends with them. We should go to dinner." Robinson interjected warmly: "We should go to dinner sometime." Hermann continued, "I do appreciate the way that you brought a different perspective to everything that I've believed in. Even if I still had some type of a different feeling, it was with a new appreciation for something that I hadn't thought of. So I do appreciate that in you and I do wish you the absolute best."
Robinson's tenure officially ends at midnight on New Year's Eve, when he will, in his words, "once again rejoin the ranks of the unencumbered citizen."