December 12, 2008 - 4:32pm
News

Smith's New Spokesman: Austin Shafran

Austin Shafran is leaving Hank Sheinkopf’s office to become a spokesman for Malcolm Smith, the embattled leader of the Senate Democratic conference, according to two people with knowledge of the move.

While at Sheinkopf’s office, Shafran was working on the Democratic transition, and has been accompanying Malcolm Smith at numerous events.

Shafran’s move comes shortly after Smith re-arranged his press office following an awkward week in Albany, which included him walking out of his own press conference.

Before Sheinkopf, Shafran worked in Queens for City Councilman David Weprin and has something of pedigree in local politics. His mother, Phyliss Shafran, worked for former borough president Donald Manes and former Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin.

 

Azi Paybarah can be reached via email at azi.paybarah@politickerny.com.

Comments

Congratulations Austin!


Congratulations Austin!

12/12/08 6:54 pm

Austin is a good kid with a


Austin is a good kid with a bright future, and a good soldier.

Phyliss didn't just work for McLaughlin, she was his chief-of-staff. Sadly, her career was immolated with his downfall.

12/13/08 2:42 pm

Congrats Austin! With his


Congrats Austin! With his level of skill and expertise he is sure to succeed anywhere.

01/25/09 9:29 am

Austin Shafran will make a


Austin Shafran will make a great spokesman for Malcolm Smith with his level of experience and knowledge.

02/16/09 6:24 pm

Austin Shafran


I just read Mr. Shafran's comments to Senator Mike Ranzenhofer's nailing of Susan Grelick's patronage job. Mr. Shafran is an un-elected punk who should keep his comments to himself.

04/29/09 8:15 am

Austin Shafran


Austin Shafran is an example of what is wrong with this state. The fact that he defends the hiring of Susan Grelick at $90,000 a year isn't suprising. But yet we NY State taxpayers have to fork out more money in new taxes.

Yep, nothing like living in NY State. ]
Bring on the revolt!!!!!!!!

05/01/09 11:45 pm

Austin Shafran


Austin Shafran needs a reality check. He's working for the biggest crooks in NY. In turn he's become one of them. Great job!

Time to throw all you out of office.

07/04/09 9:19 am

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