Jennifer Gale, RIP Credit: Photo by Alan Pogue

Sad news: Jennifer Gale died this morning.

It’s a tribute to Gale in itself that the multi-time candidate and perennial speaker at council and city meetings achieved the kind of name recognition that needs no further comment. Gale had filed to run in next year’s mayoral elections, and had already re-launched her campaign website.

Former Mayor Bruce Todd has issued his own tribute:

Jennifer was a constant presence at various public hearings, forums and meetings in Austin and displayed a great love for and interest in our city. Her well-known catchphrase was ‘Keep Austin, Austin.’ While Jennifer no longer is here to physically trumpet that slogan, her personification of that expression will never be forgotten.

Gale, a fixture around the UT Campus, was reportedly found in front of the First English Lutheran Church on Whitis. No cause of death has been issued. She was 44.

This article appears in December 12 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.