When she resigned as Calumet Township trustee, Kim Robinson also stepped down as chairperson for the Democratic Precincts of Gary.
Lake County Democratic Chairman Jim Wieser confirmed Robinson’s Dec. 20 resignation, which came in a separate email than her trustee resignation. The Post-Tribune received her resignation email from Gary Councilman Darren Washington, D-At Large, who plans to run for the trustee position.
“It has been a pleasure to serve under your leadership,” Robinson told Wieser in her email.
Federal prosecutors alleged Robinson used $11,200 in township funds to pay for her Gary rent.
Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in a U.S. District Court in Hammond. The charge can carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
She resigned on Dec. 20 as part of her plea deal. If the deal is accepted, Robinson will serve one year of probation and have to repay $11,200, plus an $8,700 fine, according to Post-Tribune archives.
Multiple people have decided to run for township trustee. A caucus for the next trustee is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 16, according to Post-Tribune archives. Those interested in running should apply no later than 6 p.m. Jan. 13.
A caucus isn’t necessary to fill Robinson’s chairperson position, Wieser said.
Vice Chairperson Mike Brown will call a meeting to fill the chair’s vacancy. There are no restrictions on when the meeting must be called, Wieser said.
In her email to Wieser, Robinson asked to avoid a caucus and appoint Brown as the new chair.
John Allen, a Gary resident, said he has concerns with Brown taking the position because Robinson endorsed him. Allen also wants the next Calumet Township trustee to have no connection to Robinson.
“In light of (Robinson’s) situation … she shouldn’t be endorsing anyone,” Allen said. “It should be a neutral third party away from the existence of her faction.”
Allen was under the impression that a caucus must be called for the chairperson position. Wieser said people typically believe one is necessary.
There’s no reason to be concerned about Brown potentially becoming chairperson, Wieser said.
“He’s a logical choice to be chairperson,” he added. “She’s never worked in the clerk’s office, he’s never worked in any office she’s held. I know they know each other well, and I know they respected each other, but other than that, there’s certainly no impediment to (Brown) being chairman.”
