Best of Austin®

Best Role Model For Future Officeholders

Gus Garcia

Local politicians come and go, but only a few remain memorable for making good on their promises. Gus Garcia, who this year retired from the City Council after nine years (that's three campaigns and three rounds of promises), is one of those people you don't forget easily. Long before he ran for council, Garcia worked for racial equality and fair housing. He continued championing those issues and other worthwhile causes until his final days in office. He never sought glory for his accomplishments, yet he left office on a high note, with friends and supporters turning out for a citywide sendoff at Fiesta Gardens. Viva Gus!