Page Two

The casual reader of this
column might expect a post-election reflection, especially as I inadvertently
became a minor issue in its closing hours because of my pre-election editorial.
A regular reader would probably know better.

The next few weeks will be exciting as the new city council’s personality
emerges. All of this council ran on one kind of “take care of the basics”
platform or another. Now, if they can work together, their mission is clear.
Alex de Marban reports on Mayor Bruce Todd and Councilmember-elect Daryl
Slusher moving to repeal Councilmember Max Nofziger’s pedestrian coordinator
(see page 22). This kind of cooperation is exactly what the city needs.

I will cry no false tears for the pedestrian coordinator. As with too many
council proposals, it had more to do with symbol than with substance. The city
needs a long-term, interdepartmental commitment to improving transportation, as
Slusher suggests in de Marban’s piece.

If the mayor and Slusher can work together on the thornier issues facing the
city, including the $17 million budget shortfall, not just demonstrating
intelligence and skill, but leading the whole council forward as a
decision-making body, that could bode well for the next year.

The Chronicle is currently
looking for a new production manager. The person applying must be able to
monitor production flow throughout the office, be very proficient in newspaper
and ad design, know Quark XPress, Pagemaker, and Photoshop, and the perfect
person will be able to work with varied personalities, be a good listener, and
leader. Several people sent in resum�s before we ran the ad. I
mistakenly threw these out. If you sent in a resum� before the ad ran,
please resubmit it.

This is the last issue in which the “Best Of” ballot will be printed (see
p.17). As always, we encourage you to vote for the many things that you believe
make living in Austin unique — be it your favorite barbecue joint, the coolest
swimming hole, or the best place to celebrate your child’s birthday. In
September, we will publish the results. n

This article appears in June 14 • 1996 and June 14 • 1996 (Cover).