Reviewing new challenges for the coming year, Issaquah City Council President Maureen McCarry said she will not seek renomination as Council President during the council’s next public meeting on Jan. 4.

McCarry confirmed in an interview she informally withdrew her name from consideration for the election of the council’s leadership for 2010.

“I think it’s very important to have change,” McCarry said. “I’m not willing to be put under consideration.”

McCarry’s decision comes as Council members and two councilmen-elect, Tola Marts and Mark Mullet, jockey for position ahead of the new council’s first meeting of the year. It’s first order of business is to both swear in Marts, Mullet, McCarry and councilmember Eileen Barber after their November election victories and then elect new council leadership from amongst themselves.

City Judge N. Scott Stewart will administer the Oaths of Office and present Certificates of Election to all three.

The election of the Council President and Deputy President are held annually at the first regular Council meeting. The Council Leadership are primarily responsible for determining Council Committee assignments, approving council agendas, and meeting weekly with Mayor Ava Frisinger and officials to discuss city business. The Council President also serves as Mayor Pro Tem and represents Issaquah at public events in the Mayor’s absence.

McCarry has served as Council President alongside Council Deputy President Fred Butler since 2008.

Asked if he hoped to remain in a leadership position, Butler confirmed that he hopes to remain as Deputy Council President for the next year.