This Thursday, friends of Gail Chavez will gather at the Ginger Man, 301 Lavaca, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., to celebrate her retirement from the city. Chavez, who served as the first point of contact for many people visiting City Council offices, retired in early June. In addition to directing traffic on the second floor, she was the city’s Proclamation Coordinator, writing approximately 2,000 certificates per year honoring various individuals and groups. Chavez worked for the city for nearly 16 years, serving under every mayor from Kirk Watson to Steve Adler. Many of her friends at City Hall, including employees who participated in Chavez’s lunchtime run/walk program, miss her smiling face and knowledgeable assistance. The city has not yet hired a permanent employee for the job previously held by Chavez, although rumor has it that it is expected to happen at the end of August.
Jo Clifton is the Politics Editor for the Austin Monitor. More by Jo Clifton