Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern is a name that resonates with dedication to community, family values, and public service. While many may recognize the Robertson family name, her personal story is one of resilience, commitment, and deep-seated love for her chosen home in Tarrant County, Texas. This detailed look into her life explores the experiences that shaped her, from her unique upbringing to her impactful career in education and her foray into local politics. It is a narrative of a woman who, despite having roots connected to a famous dynasty, carved her own path dedicated to improving the lives of those in her community.
The Formative Years of an Army Brat
Understanding Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern requires looking back at her unconventional childhood. Born into a military family, her father was a career Army soldier. This meant a life of constant motion, moving to new duty stations around the world every three years. For a young person, this lifestyle of being perpetually new can be lonely and challenging. Just as she would begin to feel comfortable and forge relationships, it was time for the next adventure.
This experience, however, instilled in her a unique worldview and a deep appreciation for what it means to create a home. Her high school years were spent at a Department of Defense school in Zweibruecken, Germany. This period was marked by significant change, as American forces in Europe were being drawn down. She watched her community shrink, with her graduating class dwindling to just 49 students. This constant state of flux taught her adaptability and gave her a firsthand look at different cultures and forms of government.
Finding a Home in Texas
For college, purely for economic reasons, she chose Texas A&M University. Having been offered a full academic scholarship, it was a dream come true for a student from a modest background. The transition was daunting; she was moving to Texas, a state she had never visited, to attend a massive university with over 50,000 students. It was a world away from her small high school in Germany.
However, at A&M, she found a place to belong. She immersed herself in campus life, joining the Student Council, her dorm government, and a theater group. Majoring in political science was a natural choice for Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern, whose international upbringing gave her a profound appreciation for the American system of government. She successfully completed her degree in four years, a testament to her discipline and work ethic. It was also during her college years that she met her future husband, Kyle Cobern, marking the beginning of her journey to put down permanent roots.
Building a Life in Tarrant County
After graduating, Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern joined her husband in his hometown of Hurst. They started their family and navigated the early years of marriage and parenthood. A brief two-year move to Houston only solidified her desire to return to Tarrant County. She found the environment in Houston less friendly and deeply missed the support of family.
The opportunity to move back to the Metroplex was one they eagerly took. They settled in Hurst, a city they chose specifically for its family-friendly atmosphere and the incredible programs it offered. With a growing family of boys, access to the Rec Center, Aquatics Centers, and sports programs was a major draw. For Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern, who had spent her life moving, finding a place to raise her children and establish lasting connections was paramount.
From Resident to Community Leader
Her personal investment in the community naturally evolved into active community involvement. The more her family participated in local programs, the more interested she became in the city’s organization and structure. Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern decided to volunteer her time and was appointed to the Neighborhood and Community Advisory Board. During her two years of service, she played a key role in drafting an important ordinance for inspecting rental properties, a measure designed to protect both residents and property values in Hurst.
Her thirst for knowledge about her city’s inner workings led her to participate in the Hurst 101 program, where she graduated as the Valedictorian for 2015. She later made a lateral move to the Library Board, a place she felt a special connection to from spending countless hours there when her sons were small. Her journey demonstrates a genuine desire to understand and contribute to the fabric of her community. This deep engagement is a core part of the identity of Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern.
A Career in Education and Public Service
Alongside her community volunteerism, Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern built a career as a teacher in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District (HEBISD). Her work in education further solidified her connection to the families and children of Tarrant County. This dual role as a mother and an educator gave her a unique perspective on the needs of the community she served. She earned a graduate certificate in secondary education and teaching from the University of North Texas, further credentialing her commitment to her profession.
The Leap into Politics
Her extensive experience as a resident, mother, volunteer, and teacher culminated in a decision to seek public office. In 2016, believing she could make a more permanent impact on the decision-making process, she successfully ran for the Hurst City Council. The overwhelming support she received was a clear indicator of the trust she had built within the community over the years.
The Race for Tax Assessor-Collector
An unexpected opening in the Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office prompted Trasa Robertson Cobern to take the next step in her public service journey. She entered the Republican Party primary for the position, aiming to bring her conservative and frugal values to the county level. She believed her experience managing household finances, combined with her deep understanding of the community and local government, made her a strong candidate for the role.
The 2018 primary election was a competitive one. Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern campaigned on a platform of efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and excellent customer service. Although she did not win the primary, her campaign was a significant chapter in her public life. It highlighted her willingness to step up and serve in a greater capacity, driven by a desire to ensure the county government was a good steward of taxpayer money. Her run for Tax Assessor-Collector showcased the depth of her commitment to public service in Tarrant County. The political journey of Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern is a key part of her story.
The Pillars of Her Life: Family and Values
Throughout her public and professional life, family has remained the central pillar for Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern. She and her husband, Kyle, have raised four sons—Brady, Caden, Jaxon, and a fourth son—in Hurst. She often speaks about the importance of raising her children in a stable, supportive community, a stark contrast to her own transient childhood.
Her connection to the famous “Duck Dynasty” Robertson family is a point of public interest, but for her, home is not West Monroe, Louisiana. When asked why she doesn’t return “home,” her answer is unequivocal: “West Monroe isn’t home, Hurst and Tarrant County is.” This powerful statement encapsulates her entire life story. It speaks to her journey of finding and creating a home, putting down roots, and investing herself fully into the community she loves. Her story is a reminder that home is not just where you are from, but where you choose to build your life and make a difference. The story of Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern is truly one of forging her own path.
Core Beliefs and Contributions
The principles that guide Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern are clear:
- Fiscal Conservatism: A belief in responsible spending and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
- Community First: A focus on policies and programs that benefit the local community and improve quality of life.
- Family Values: A commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for families to thrive.
- Public Service: A genuine desire to contribute and give back to the community that she calls home.
Her service on the Hurst City Council, her work on the Neighborhood and Community Advisory Board, and her dedication as a teacher all reflect these core values. The career of Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern has been multifaceted, but the common thread is service. Every step she has taken has been about being a part of what’s going on and making a positive contribution. For anyone looking to understand Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern, it is her actions within her community that speak the loudest. The legacy of Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern is one of dedicated local service. The public knows Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern for this dedication. It is this commitment that defines the public persona of Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern.
Conclusion
The life of Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern is a compelling narrative of a woman who turned a childhood of constant change into a lifelong mission of building a stable and vibrant community.
While her 2018 campaign for Tax Assessor-Collector brought her into a larger political spotlight, her true impact is found in the years of dedicated service to the City of Hurst and its residents. Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern embodies the idea that true leadership begins at home, in the community you serve every day. Her story is not just about politics or famous family ties; it is about the profound power of choosing a place to call home and dedicating your life to making it better for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern?
Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern is a teacher, community leader, and former Hurst City Council member known for her deep involvement in Tarrant County, Texas. She is also related to the Robertson family of “Duck Dynasty” fame but has established her own distinct identity through years of public service in her chosen hometown of Hurst. - What political office did Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern run for?
In 2018, she ran for the position of Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector in the Republican Party primary. She had previously been elected to the Hurst City Council in 2016. - What is her educational and professional background?
She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University and a graduate certificate in secondary education from the University of North Texas. Professionally, she has worked as a teacher in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District. - Why is Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern so connected to Tarrant County?
As the daughter of a career Army soldier, she moved frequently as a child. Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern chose to settle in Hurst, Tarrant County, to provide a stable home for her own family. Her deep connection comes from decades of living, working, raising her four sons, and volunteering in the community.
5. What are some of Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern’s community contributions?
She served on the Hurst City Council, the Neighborhood and Community Advisory Board, and the Library Board. In these roles, she helped draft ordinances to protect property values and was an active participant in improving city programs and services, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to her community.
