Thread by @BrianMcGiverin

Gather 'round, and let me tell you how Spencer Cronk tried to derail democratic reform of police oversight (more tweets to follow)

@AustinCityMgr @EquityActionATX

Last summer, Equity Action gathered more than 33,000 signatures. Their petition will allow voters to approve better oversight of police misconduct.

It was intended for the November election, but was ultimately set for election in May 2023.

@EquityActionATX

Problem: Austin's police labor contract will expire in March.

Solution: Council Member Chito Vela proposed a one-year extension of the police contract, to maintain the status quo while we wait for the May election. Equity Action says: "Great idea."

@CMChitoVela

But then, on the very day City Council was set to vote on CM Vela's proposal, City Manager Cronk held a press conference saying "Surprise! I just negotiated a four year contract. Fuggetabout the voters, Council. Sign this one I made."

@AustinCityMgr #atxcouncil

Sadly, Cronk's proposed 4-year contract is quite bad. If it is approved by Council, it will smother the Austin Police Oversight Act in the cradle.

#atxcouncil

Interestingly, it was found in December that Cronk is buddies with a key figure in a campaign that fraudulently masqueraded as Equity Action, funded by police lobbyists.

The Police Association was quoted: "Nice election you got there. Shame if something happened to it" @ATXPOA

The cynical timing of Cronk's announcement (mere hours before the vote was scheduled for Vela's one-year extension) was not lost on anyone.

@EquityActionATX

The City Council, it seems, was displeased with Cronk afterwards.

#atxcouncil

The Council's vote on Vela's proposal was postponed to this Wednesday.

Starting at about 8am Monday, the public will be able to register online FOR Item #1, to show support for negotiating a one-year deal. bitly.ws/A9oY

That's what I will do. You should too.

Correction, this is the proper link for today: cityofaustin.formstack.com/forms/austin_c…