Local Lawyer Plans to Run for Council

Most lawyers don't have quotes from Marcus Aurelius on their Web sites, but Robin Cravey doesn't purport to be most lawyers. Instead, his advertised goal is "solving problems for the middle class." From glancing at his law practice's Web page (www.robincravey.com), you might think he was running for office.

And you wouldn't be remiss. Despite City Council elections not coming until next year, the all-important pregame has already begun, and Cravey tells the Chronicle "I do intend to run." The bona fides listed on his site speak to his interests and priorities: president, Friends of Barton Springs Pool; parliamentarian, Austin Planning Commission; and president, Zilker Neighborhood Association. Given the affiliations, it's not surprising Cravey sees protecting affordable-housing options and Austin's waterways as priorities. He wants to commit to making Austin a "walking city," but not just by pulling up some lamp posts or widening the sidewalk: "I mean making it possible to have people live within walking distance of work. I think someone who works at a restaurant Downtown ought to be able to live Downtown. We really have got to put some sustained effort into that." Waterwise, he'll focus on flood control, restoring the city's urban creeks, and further protecting Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. Overall, he says, "I really believe in a strong city government that exercises powers wisely."

While he won't officially file until closer to the election, Cravey is the second candidate to appear on the Chronicle's radar, after Austin Neighborhoods Council President Laura Morrison. With three seats up for election – Place 1 (Lee Leffingwell), Place 3 (Jennifer Kim), and Place 4 (Mayor Pro Tem Betty Dunkerley) – but only one open (Dunkerley having been term-limited), Cravey, who intends to run for an open seat, could square off against Morrison; he says she's "done a lot of good things for the community."