AFSCME weighs in for Cronk

If Interim City Manager Elaine Hart is not in the running for the permanent city manager job, as appears to be the case, then the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees would favor Spencer Cronk over the other finalist Howard Lazarus. Employees’ union spokesperson Jack Kirfman told the Austin Monitor on Thursday that Cronk “has a lot of good energy. He’s going to bring a lot of good ideas.” Kirfman said Cronk has a reputation for being innovative and working with many stakeholders. However, he added that AFSCME has “nothing against Howard.” He noted that the Austin Police Association has declined to pick between the two, but since AFSCME had already voiced a preference for Hart, he said they might as well let City Council know their current preference.