The new councilmember folded his hands and smiled with excitement while the judge, adorned in a traditional black robe, addressed the lectern to begin the oaths of office Tuesday night.

The moment came to the first three councilmembers – Fred Butler, Joshua Schaer and Stacy Goodman – with all the air of familiarity.  For Winterstein, however, there was gentle hop in his step.

Councilmembers have a simple oath, at least compared to judges, said Scott Stewart, and Issaquah Municipal Court judge who swore in four members.

The annual ceremony is the final ratification of an election. Out of the four members sworn in, only Schaer faced an opponent this year.

Goodman filled in for Maureen McCarry in 2011, and then won her election in November to serve the final two years of the term.

Following the ceremony the councilmembers selected Tola Marts as the council president and renamed Butler to the deputy council president position. John Traeger held the position until he retired from public service in December.

For Marts, who enjoys participating in council commission meetings and council leadership, it was a good fit, he said.

Stacy Goodman takes the oath of office at Issaquah City Hall as a returning councilmember.

Joshua Schaer takes the oath of office Tuesday in Issaquah City Council chambers.

Fred Butler signs a paper confirming his oath of office and role as an Issaquah city councilmember.

Judge Scott Stewart congratulations Fred Butler on his Oath of Office as a returning Issaquah city councilmember.