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The text of the city’s press release:

City of Sierra Madre Accepts Resignation of City Attorney Michael Colantuono

Sierra Madre, CA - The City of Sierra Madre accepted, with regret, the resignation of City Attorney Michael G. Colantuono, effective January 9, 2007 and requested that he work with Assistant City Attorney Sandra J. Levin to transition his responsibilities to her. Colantuono and Levin, P.C. will continue to provide a full range of legal services to the City of Sierra Madre.

The City Attorney indicated that his decision was a difficult one, but said: “After 17 years of public law practice, and five very busy years building a small law firm, it is time to take a break, smell the roses, and provide a better quality of life for me and my family. I am sad this means ending my primary responsibility for Sierra Madre’s legal work -a role I have greatly enjoyed playing for a very special community.”

Mayor John Buchanan said “Michael has served the City well for the last 3 years and his presence and legal advice will be missed. He has helped us through many difficult and controversial legal issues, and we have come to rely heavily on his wise counsel. Although we know that Ms. Levin will ably assume Michael’s many duties, we will miss Michael. We understand, however, that despite his great affection for Sierra Madre, he has made a quality of life decision and we wish him nothing but the best. He will always have a home here in the City and we are pleased that the firm, including Michael, will continue to serve the City of Sierra Madre.”

Michael Colantuono was appointed City Attorney for the City of Sierra Madre on December 8, 2003 He is also City Attorney for the City of Calabasas and Auburn and provides numerous services to public agencies throughout Northern and Southern California. During his 17-year career in municipal law, Mr. Colantuono has represented dozens of cities and
other public agencies agencies. Assistant City Attorney Sandra J. Levin, currently the Planning Commission Counsel for the City of Sierra Madre, is also an experienced litigator and partner in Colantuono and Levin, and has 19 years in practice, including 12 years in municipal law. Ms. Levin currently serves as City Attorney for the City of La Habra Heights, a position she has held since August 2004.

Sandi Levin said, “It is an honor to work in a community like Sierra Madre which combines challenging legal work with a strong community identity and passionate participation by its residents. Michael and I look forward to working together to ensure a seamless transition in legal services to the City Council, City Manager, and City staff.”