Issaquah City Council Deputy President Mary Lou Pauly announced her candidacy today for mayor of Issaquah.

Incumbent Mayor Fred Butler will not be seeking re-election, leaving the position open for new leadership.

“Issaquah is an incredible community and we have a lot to be proud of. However, I believe that now more than ever we need strong leadership with an eye on the future,” Pauly said in a press release.

She continued, “As our region and our city continues to grow, we must think critically and strategically about what we want Issaquah to look like next week, next month, next year and 20 years down the line.”

Pauly, who was initially elected to the City Council in 2013, added that she would not be filing to run for re-election in that position this fall.

In addition to her experience on the council, Pauly served as a volunteer commissioner on the city’s Development Commission from 1994 until being elected council member. At the same time, she has worked as an engineer in the private sector.

“With the growth in Issaquah and neighboring cities, our traffic has gone from an annoyance to a daily crisis,” Pauly stated. “I want to work with members of our community, the City Council and our regional partners to make sure that transportation is treated as it should be — our top priority.”

In addition to relieving congestion and getting Issaquah moving, Pauly said that she will also be focused on responsible growth and infrastructure, as well as ensuring an open, transparent and accountable city government.

Pauly has lived in Issaquah for over 20 years. She and her husband, Karl, live in The Woods and Morgans Ridge neighborhood on Squak Mountain, where they raised their two children.