Ex-Seattle city attorney Tom Carr hired in Boulder, Colo.

Former Seattle City Attorney Tom Carr has taken a job in Boulder, Colo., according to a news report.

The Boulder Daily Camera said Carr was selected from among three finalists to be city attorney, filling the position of a man who retired earlier this year.

Phone messages left with Carr on Wednesday night were not immediately returned.

Carr was defeated in his bid for re-election in November, losing to political newcomer Pete Holmes, who captured 62 percent of the vote.

Carr, who served two terms, founded a community court to handle the cases of low-level offenders and won praise for helping to reduce car theft. But he also could be a controversial figure, a man whose blunt style — the product of an East Coast upbringing — was off-putting to some. For example, he clashed with bar owners over a sting operation that nabbed underage drinkers and was criticized as being politically motivated.

As city attorney, he viewed his job as representing the municipal government. Holmes, on the other hand, said he would represent the people of Seattle. The difference, though seemingly technical, became significant in the election.

Carr's new job pays $170,000 a year, according to the Daily Camera. As city attorney here, he made about $130,000.

He will take his new post July 1. Carr was unanimously selected by the Boulder City Council after a series of interviews Sunday and Monday, the paper said.