After being lauded, roasted and toasted by fellow Austin City Council members, it was 1st Ward council member Roberto Romo’s turn to say a few words at the gathering prior to his last council meeting before leaving Austin to return to his mother’s home in Seville, Spain.

Tuesday, October 05, 1999

After being lauded, roasted and toasted by fellow Austin City Council members, it was 1st Ward council member Roberto Romo’s turn to say a few words at the gathering prior to his last council meeting before leaving Austin to return to his mother’s home in Seville, Spain.

They were words spoken on the edge of tears, but optimistic nonetheless.

"I learned that I can make a difference," Romo told those gathered in Council Chambers Monday afternoon. "And I go knowing that Austin is in good hands and is moving in the right direction. I have a lot of hope that my baby, my hometown, is going to be what I dreamed – a great place for everyone who chooses to live here."

Mayor Bonnie Rietz waited until the meeting was over and a resolution thanking Romo for his years of service passed unanimously to give the 15-year Austin resident and three-year council member a key to the city.

"You are all a part of my life and I won’t forget you," Romo said. "Even if I don’t come back."

Romo left his council seat and has taken a leave of absence from Riverland Community College to care for his mother, who is not well. He has said he would like to return to Austin.

Rietz will accept applications to fill Romo’s now-vacant 1st Ward seat after Thursday.

Only those living in the 1st Ward need apply. Applications are available from the city clerk’s office on the city hall side of the Municipal building at 500 4th Ave. NE.

The seat will be filled on an interim basis until January 2001. Applicant interviews will be the week of Oct. 25, with the appointment to be announced at the Nov. 1 council meeting. A candidate will be selected by vote of both the mayor and the remaining council members.