On my way to The Mirror office last week, I ironically thought I saw a flash in my rearview mirror.

I was cautiously maneuvering from Pacific Highway South to 320th Street when it happened and I knew the flash was from the traffic cameras at that intersection. I hoped that a traffic ticket didn’t loom. This would be an awful start to my first day as editor.

When I got to the office, I learned that I had just missed a visit from Federal Way Police Deputy Chief Andy Hwang.

Oh no.

But to my relief, my co-workers said Hwang was there to welcome me to the community.

It was the first of several visits. I’ve had the opportunity to meet city officials, officials of South King Fire & Rescue and members from various groups and organizations, including the Federal Way Farmers Market, Friends of the Hylebos Advisory Committee and the Federal Way Coalition of the Performing Arts, to name a few.

Attorney Herman Brewer also stopped by, coincidentally, notifying me that he would be a great resource if I ever needed help fighting a ticket from a Federal Way traffic camera.

And folks were not shy stating their political viewpoints and informing me about what they thought about important issues in the community. Some of these issues include Federal Way Public Schools’ controversial standards-based grading system that the district has changed, affordable housing and how to build and pay for the proposed Performing Arts and Conference Center.

My initial impression of Federal Way: many residents are actively engaged here.

This shows a sense of ownership and pride for the city.

As the new editor of The Mirror, I look forward to learning more about the issues that are important to the community so that we may continue to provide local coverage that incites civic conversation. I see The Mirror as the impetus for keeping the community engaged and the platform for residents to share their opinions.

I come to The Mirror having served recently as a regional editor for Sound Publishing’s Kirkland and Bothell/Kenmore Reporter newspapers.

An upstate New York transplant, I live right outside of the city in Des Moines with my husband Miguel and our four children. But I call Federal Way home for many things, including recreation and shopping, and I am proud to be a part of this city.

As I get out into the community in the coming weeks and meet with you, I will be asking you this: What do you like about your community newspaper? Is there something you would like to see in The Mirror that we currently don’t include? What issues are important to you and where do you stand on those issues?

I invite each of you to stop by The Mirror office, call me at (253) 925-5565, ext. 5050 or email me at editor@federalwaymirror.com.

I look forward to hearing from you and to serving as editor of your local newspaper.