The city's two public safety labor unions, which couldn't agree on a mayoral candidate in May, have also chosen different candidates in the race for two open City Council seats.

Both unions, whose endorsements are widely perceived as critical in council races, chose incumbent Councilwoman Marie Waldron for one seat. But the police officers union chose local contractor Jim Crone for its second endorsement last week, while the firefighters union has chosen public policy analyst Jason Everitt.

Union leaders said this spring that they wanted to present a united front to the voters this year, but then the firefighters chose former Councilman Tom D'Agosta for mayor while the police chose incumbent Councilman Dick Daniels.

In interviews this week, leaders of the two unions said it slowly became apparent they had different philosophies about the challenges facing the city and the best ways to overcome them.

"The more we got into it, the more we realized we had different perspectives," said Tony Masten, president of the police officers union.

Masten said Crone's 30 years as one of the city's top contractors and leasing agents will be crucial for the council, which now includes three small-business owners, an accountant and a public relations specialist.

"Jim has a wealth of knowledge about business and budgets because he's been an avid businessman for many years," Masten said. "He will provide a lot of expertise to the council, which is really needed right now."

Masten said he hoped Crone would foster enough economic growth to help alleviate the city's financial crisis, which has forced dozens of employee layoffs and the freezing of most pay increases.

He said the endorsement had "absolutely nothing" to do with any belief that Crone would help protect city pensions, and Crone has bristled at such suggestions. Crone said he doesn't know enough to have a position on proposals to make pensions less generous for new hires.

Crone said he was proud to have received the endorsement.

"Police and fire are very strong endorsements because they should be looked up to as quality people," he said. "On the other hand, I have no idea why the firefighters endorsed Jason Everitt. He's a nice kid, but we don't need kids running our city."

Everitt, who recently turned 27, said Crone, 57, has underestimated his experience and expertise, which includes working in Los Angeles City Hall and receiving a master's degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.

Energy and enthusiasm are also needed at City Hall, said Everitt, who vowed to become the "hardest working elected official in city history."

Mike Diaz, president of the firefighters union, said Everitt's energy and willingness to visit voters all over the city were reasons for the endorsement.

"The way someone works during the campaign reflects how they will work in office," Diaz said.

Diaz also said Everitt would help the council get back on the right course, criticizing recent council decisions to subsidize a downtown Marriott and use road money to build an elaborate pedestrian plaza on Maple Street.

"These are not the times to be spending money we don't have," he said.

Everitt has been characterized as an underdog candidate. But the firefighters had success in 2008 helping underdog Olga Diaz, who is not related to Mike Diaz, defeat then-incumbent Councilman Ed Gallo.

Mike Diaz and Masten said the decision to endorse Waldron was quite easy. Diaz called her selection a "no-brainer," and Masten said she had always been "an avid supporter" for police and fire.

Gallo, another candidate in the race this year, said he was disappointed and surprised that he wasn't endorsed by either union.

"I don't think it's pivotal, but endorsements show that people support your positions," he said.

The two union leaders said they considered this year's election especially crucial to the city's future. The unions typically send out mailers in support of their candidates and advocate for them during the city's October street fair.

The other candidates in the race are Richard Barron, Carmen Miranda, Matthew Herold and Adam Brooks.

Call staff writer David Garrick at 760-740-5468.