Springfield names new city attorney

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Rhonda Lewsader is the next city attorney for the city of Springfield.

Lewsader, the city’s deputy city attorney who’d held the top job on an interim basis since September, officially succeeds Frank Romines, who left Springfield to become a staff attorney with the city and county of Denver, Colorado. Lewsader’s appointment is effective Dec. 16, according to a news release.

“She is very bright and has done an excellent job managing the law department,” City Manager Jason Gage said in the release. “The city benefits from her quality legal analysis and advice.”

As city attorney, Lewsader will lead a 20-employee department that represents the municipality and City Council in all legal matters. The department has an annual budget of roughly $2 million, representing 2 percent of the city’s general fund, according to the Springfield government’s website.

Besides a stint as Republic’s city attorney, Lewsader has worked for the city of Springfield for 19 years, according to the release.

“It is an exciting time in the city, with projects like the IDEA Commons and the Art Museum’s master plan taking shape,” she said in the release. “I appreciate the opportunity to step into the role of city attorney and look forward to providing legal support that will assist City Council and the city’s leadership team in implementing the projects and services that will build a better future for this community and allow it to continue to be a wonderful place to live.”

Lewsader is slated to earn an annual salary of $148,000.