SHORT TAKES : Lady Bird Cool to Renamed Lake

AUSTIN, Tex. — Lady Bird Johnson sank city officials’ plans to rename Town Lake in the former first lady’s honor only hours before the City Council was to make it official in a special meeting.

Mayor Lee Cooke proposed the idea during a 25th anniversary celebration of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s inauguration, and a majority of the council agreed. Cooke said he hadn’t expected Lady Bird’s veto Tuesday.

Mrs. Johnson, who helped develop and beautify the popular recreation spot 20 years ago, wrote the officials that Town Lake “will always be a special place for me, but I will feel very self-conscious if it is named for me.”