Calabasas attorney seeks greener pastures in Nevada County

Michael Colantuono Calabasas was proud to announce the hiring of city attorney Michael Colantuono in August 2003, but might have to say goodbye to the 44-year-old lawyer if he's elected to the Nevada County Superior Court this fall.

Colantuono is running against five other candidates in the June 6 primary election. Two of those candidates will compete in a runoff in November, with the winner to be sworn in next January.

"We retained Michael Colantuono at a very challenging time for the city," said James Bozajian, Calabasas mayor pro tem. "We were making some significant changes, having simultaneously hired a new city manager, city attorney and chief financial officer. Colantuono assisted us in making a very smooth transition."

Colantuono said he wants to serve as a Superior Court judge in the northern California county because the jurisdiction faces a serious methamphetamine problem that has led to a sharp increase in crime.

"I'm hopeful that, if elected to the bench, I can make a difference in both of the problems for the benefit of my community," said Colantuono, who hails from the Nevada County town of Penn Valley. "I believe that we need a fair judge on the bench with experience in both criminal and civil law."

"This is someone who belongs on the bench and who will serve the state very well," said Barry Groveman, city council member. "I'm all for it."

Colantuono said if he fails in bid for election he would stay on as the Calabasas city attorney.

Colantuono is a partner at Colantuono & Levin, P.C., a law firm that specializes in work with local governments.

He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1983 and received his law degree from the University of California Boalt Hall School of Law in 1988.