After election defeat, city attorney back in Calabasas

After losing his bid to be elected to the Nevada County Superior Court, Calabasas city attorney Michael Colantuono says he'll remain in his post as city attorney.

Robert Litchfield, Jr. beat Colantuono with 16.25 percent of the votes. Colantuono received 11.20 percent.

"There are two ways to get on a Superior Court," Colantuono said. "One is to be elected and the other is to be appointed by a governor. There may be opportunities for looking for an appointment."

Calabasas hired Colantuono in August 2003. In March, city officials were both happy and sad to hear that the 44-year-old lawyer might be leaving the city if elected to the Nevada County position.

"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 wanted to serve as a Superior Court judge in the Northern California county because it his near his home and because the jurisdiction faces a serious methamphetamine problem that has led to a sharp increase in crime.

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

-Michael Picarella