Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2009 > May > 13 > Entry
Mayor Will Wynn’s Best Speech Ever
Just days before his term ended, Mayor Will Wynn gave the best speech of his career. Or at least in my hearing.
The Mayor
Acknowledging an honor from Leadership Austin at the home of Annette Carlozzi and Dan Bullock, Wynn spoke of the leadership lessons he had learned this week from the parents of Nathaniel Sanders II, the young man fatally shot by an Austin police officer. Raw with emotion, Wynn had spent an hour with the parents on Tuesday, after dealing with the post-shooting crisis on Monday. He credited Nathaniel Sanders Sr. with preventing more violence with his presence at the crime scene.
Daniel Roberts, Caroline Roberts
“Six years ago, I was about to take office, it was hot, humid, the economy was in a ditch,” Wynn said about another African American shot by an Austin peace officer. “Now, it’s hot, humid, the economy is in a ditch, and we’ve come full circle.” The two dozen guests — gathered for a sort of pre-party for Leadership Austin’s fundraising Best Party Ever in June — were visibly moved.
Lee Thomson, Leslie Lockett
I also spoke at length with co-host Carlozzi, about the home she shares with still-new husband Bullock. The Blanton Museum of Art curator carefully blended her collection with Bullock’s — the two came to the marriage with contrasting aesthetic tastes. I admired their view over a nature preserve below Jester Estates and their contemplative Big Red Sun landscaping.
Holly Jackson, Annette Carlozzi, Heather McKissick
I shuddered, however, upon seeing the mammoth Alexan apartment complex on a mountain across the canyon, and after hearing about feral pigs and coyotes snacking on neighbors’ pets.
Emily Shaw, Lulu Flores, Amy Welborn
Another conversation informed me of Lee Thomson’s post-Leadership time — she served as its director before Heather McKissick. “I sleep until I wake up,” she said, smiling contentedly. She and her husband traveled a lot in the first months of retirement, which was exhausting. Now she’s putting her toe back into civic involvement. Which is good, since there’s a lot of good will waiting for her return to the field.
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By Brenda Thompson
May 13, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
I agree; Mayor Wynn's remarks were extraordinary. There was a hush in the room and I think we all felt privileged to be there hearing what it felt like to deal with the aftermath of this tragic event in our city.