Rishoff being considered for Pavley post
By John Loesing
Acorn Staff Writer

Agoura Hills Mayor Louise Rishoff has confirmed she’s in the running to join the legislative staff of former mayor Fran Pavley who was elected Nov. 7 to the California state Assembly.

Pavley, a four-term mayor of Agoura Hills, will be sworn into office next Mon., Dec. 4 as assemblywoman of the 41st District.

Rishoff and Pavley served together on the Agoura Hills City Council for 10 years and the two occupied common ground politically while in office.

Both are strong environmentalists committed to saving natural resources and protecting open space.

"I have had discussions with her about the local district director’s job," said Rishoff, a 58-year-old Agoura Hills lawyer. "This is not a done deal. It’s something we’re just exploring."

Rishoff would serve in the same capacity as Laura Plotkin, a Calabasas resident who represented outgoing Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl in the local district office. Kuehl won election in November to the state Senate.

Pavley and Rishoff began working together in 1985 when Rishoff joined the city’s planning commission and Pavley served on the city council.

Rishoff was elected to the council in 1987, but will step down as mayor when the council reorganizes Dec. 4. She’s currently serving her fourth term as a councilmember.

Rishoff said she would leave her law practice and turn it over to her brother, if she’s chosen and accepts an offer from Pavley.

"It may work out," Pavley said. "I’m interviewing people not only at this level but on the state level.’’

Pavley said her staff would include two members working in Sacramento and two working locally. Her legislative district includes Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Westlake Village.

Pavley said Rishoff is one of at least three candidates being interviewed for the local staff position.

Rishoff, who was unsuccessful in a 1998 bid for a position on the California Coastal Commission, is credited with being the driving force toward building the new Agoura Hills library, currently under construction.

Pavley beat Republican Jayne Murphy Shapiro in the Nov. 7 election, 60 percent to 35 percent.