Journalism and politics tend to go fist to fist, but for Issaquah’s newest city council member, her love of journalism inspired her interest in not only covering decisions but also making them.

In deliberating, councilors couldn’t help but talk about Stacy Goodman’s work as a reporter, never mind the law degree or the boards she served on.

“I believe she is an independent thinker with a broad perspective,” said council member Fred Butler.

While some might see the change as an opportunity for the publicly unbiased to make their opinions law, for Goodman it’s about taking the practice of listening and using it to serve the city.

“I spent so much time talking with people in our community over the years about what they value in our community,” she said. “Often the loudest voice, isn’t the majority voice.”

The City Council appointed Goodman Monday to fill the seat left vacant by Maureen McCarry, who stepped down in January after receiving a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis.

For Goodman, the decision was a double honor. Not only was she chosen to serve, but also she was asked to fill the shoes of a beloved council member, she said.

The council’s Monday night vote didn’t come without some drama. The council was initially split three to three. Paul Winterstein, who managed councilor Tola Mart’s 2009 election, also took half the vote.

The tie was broken when Joshua Schaer, known to rarely change his mind, switched his vote. Schaer didn’t want the mayor to have to break the tie, nor did he want to be at a council meeting all night.

Goodman, 51, was a reporter and editor at The Issaquah Press for nine years. She quit seven years ago to pursue a law degree at the University of Oregon.

While she missed her family, who stayed in Issaquah, she also missed being involved in the city.

As a reporter, she attended countless government meetings. Although she wasn’t making the decisions, she felt involved in the process.

She was so focused on getting back to Issaquah, she didn’t care as much about what type of law she practiced as much as where. She now works at the Issaquah-based Carson&Noel, which focuses on business and real estate law.

Upon her return, she jumped into volunteering. She served on multiple boards including parks, the historical society, the food and clothing bank and the highlands architectural review committee.

Goodman’s council member position is only 10-months long. While she hasn’t announced a decision to run for election in the fall, she doesn’t see this as just a 10-month job, she said.

She expects her focus this year to be the same as the city’s, major planning. The Central Issaquah Plan, Rowley redevelopment and Confluence Park are all in their final planning stages.

“The devil is in the details of these plans,” Goodman said.

She also proposed looking into whether the state is interested in handing over Lake Sammamish State Park, although she says it’s not her agenda.

“I know it’s a challenge, but it’s a challenge in a really good way,” she said of being a member of the council. “I’m really looking forward to it.”