The recent election occupied this column for the last few weeks. The results argue not for two Austins but for one Austin with common goals and vision. Ironically, most of us want the same thing, but rhetoric has created many camps. (Is there anybody, for instance, who truly relishes uncontrolled suburban blight?) Occasionally, as with this vote, we are reminded of the focus. We will live with the consequences of this vote, but it is silly to look for closure – the governing of Austin is an ongoing process.
On Wednesday, April 8, John Bustin, the acknowledged dean of Austin critics, died. Robert Faires eloquently noted his passing in these pages but I would be remiss not to add a comment, even this late. The Daily Texan, the Austin American-Statesman, and the Chronicle are constantly spawning new critics, mostly na�ve waifs full of themselves and their opinions. When I was just starting out, John Bustin was there to lend a hand. Amazingly, he knew my writing but more, before I came close to earning respect, he treated me as a colleague. This was not unique to me, this was the way Bustin treated everybody, with an other-worldly courtliness and a devoted personal interest. At some point early on, I was hanging around with a bunch of regional movie industry types and I was amazed to discover the love and affection I had for Bustin was shared by those steely studio flaks. Austin is a city blessed with good arts writing. All arts are taken seriously and intelligently here, earning a surprising amount of local press. This must be regarded as the legacy of John Bustin.
There will be a benefit dinner on Saturday night for Jan Reid, Texas Monthly contributing editor and author of The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock. Journalist, novelist, and friend to many in the Austin writing community, Reid was recently shot in Mexico City. Ann Richards, Larry L. King, Molly Ivins, Darrell Royal, Kinky Friedman, and John Graves will be hosts. Expect an all-star turnout of local writers. For more information, see the ad on page 86 or call 472-2149.
This article appears in May 8 • 1998 and May 8 • 1998 (Cover).