The Black Diamond City Council appointed Craig Goodwin with a 3-1 vote as its newest City Council member at the Feb. 5 meeting. Goodwin, who is retired, served on the City Council from 2010-13 and spent a year on the planning commission from 2008-09. He did not run for re-election after his term ended. The council position opened as part of a domino effect when then-Mayor Dave Gordon resigned from his post Nov. 25, writing in an email that “due to circumstance beyond my control, I feel I can’t serve the duties of mayor to the standard I set for myself.” The council appointed mayor pro tempore Carol Benson to Gordon’s position six days later.

Four candidates — Goodwin, Patricia Pepper, William Giesen and Mario Sorci — applied for the opening, though Giesen did not participate in the public interviews at a special meeting Jan. 22.

Councilwoman Tamie Deady initially nominated Pepper to the open spot at the Feb. 5 meeting, with support from Councilwoman Erika Morgan. The nomination failed, though, with Benson unbreaking the 2-2 tie. Benson told The Reporter that she believes Pepper needs more experience in city government.

Councilman Ron Taylor initiated the vote for Goodwin, with Morgan casting the council’s lone “no” vote against the candidate.

In his public interview with the council Jan. 22, Goodwin said he plans to primarily focus on the city’s fiscal health. Other areas of interest include the Black Diamond Community Center, listening to the community and the YarrowBay master planned developments.

Goodwin could not be reached for comment prior to press deadline.

In his written answers to questions from the council, Goodwin wrote, “With our son now having successfully completed treatment for cancer, I am once again in a position to devote the time required to be an effective and contributing member of the council.”

Benson told The Reporter Friday that Goodwin’s previous time on the council will be beneficial.

“I’m sure he is going to be a good fit,” she said.