On Jan. 6, at its regular meeting, the Issaquah City Council swore in its newly elected members and also appointed its new council president and deputy council president.

Victoria Hunt, returning councilmember, unanimously was appointed as council president, nominated by then-president of the council, Tola Marts. Hunt was also sworn in to her council seat that evening, having just been elected to Position 6. She previously filled a vacant council seat until November, now she is back after a six-week break.

Councilmember Chris Reh unanimously was named deputy council president. Reh was nominated by Councilmember Stacy Goodman. Reh was elected to Position 1 in November 2017.

Fellow returning Councilmember Lindsey Walsh was sworn into Position 4 on the council. Previously, she was appointed to council in February 2019. She was elected into the position in November 2019.

Newcomers Barbara de Michele and Zach Hall also were sworn into their seats. Hall was elected to Position 2, and de Michele was elected to Position 3.

“I am incredibly thrilled and honored to serve on the Issaquah City Council,” de Michele said. “Every member contributes specific perspectives and life experiences, so I look forward to focusing my term on affordability and traffic solutions that benefit the entire community, while working with my fellow councilmembers to ensure that we preserve Issaquah’s green spaces and wildlife for future generations.”

Each councilmember who was sworn in completed an oath of office and was welcomed by Mayor Mary Lou Pauly. The council chambers were filled with several dozen community members, including many councilmembers’ family and friends who were there to show support.

The new Issaquah City Council, from left: Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, Councilmember Stacy Goodman, Deputy Council President Chris Reh, Council President Victoria Hunt, Councilmember Lindsey Walsh, Councilmember Tola Marts, Councilmember Barbara de Michele, Councilmember Zach Hall. Natalie DeFord/Staff photo