Rusthoven honored upon retirement

Jerry Rusthoven, the city’s chief zoning officer, got choked up when saying goodbye to his friends and colleagues Thursday. The occasion was his final appearance at City Hall after 29 years with the city. But he confided to a number of people that he’s not going very far. He has accepted the job of planner for the small city of Sunset Valley, which is only eight minutes from his house, he told the Austin Monitor. He will be the only planner for Sunset Valley and he’s looking forward to that. Rusthoven told colleagues in an email how much he values their friendship. He noted, “Public service can be very challenging and not well compensated, but all of us have chosen to do this because we want our city to be the best it can be, right now and for future generations.” He thanked former bosses George Zapalac, Alice Glasco and Jackie Goodman and former city managers Jesus Garza and Toby Futrell. And he singled out Kay Gudea, who has helped both staff and Council members for more than 40 years with hot food and good advice.