When CHS introduced you to Seattle Central filmmaker Sandy Cioffi as the “first new challenger with a Capitol Hill connection” in the 2011 race for a seat on the City Council, Maurice Classen noticed. The candidate challenging incumbent Jean Godden in November’s election lives on the Hill within walking distance of Smith and reads CHS “all the time.” Sorry, Classen, that won’t automatically qualify you for a CHS endorsement — but it does mean it’s time to introduce you here. We’ll also talk more soon with Cioffi as she squares off against incumbent Tom Rasmussen.
“Seattle is the next great city of the West Coast,” Classen tells CHS. “I want to help the city take the next step.”
“We’re on the uptick.”
Classen’s candidacy against Godden appears to be about enthusiasm — and rigor. The 33-year-old is a Senior Deputy King County prosecutor, has taught at the University of Washington and is part-owner of two Seattle bars: Fremont’s the Traveler and lower Queen Anne’s the Nabob.
“People think you can’t metricize public service but you can,” Classen said. “But it should be results driven not metrics driven. Are we doing a better job as a government today than we did yesterday?”
The race might also be about generations. Classen is 33 years old. Godden is 79. Classen talks about digital government and the promise of technology to improve the city. In her past campaign, Godden didn’t even have a way to donate to her campaign online.
Classen is also doing well in the money race. Publicola said the candidate is “within striking distance of Godden” as he has raised $59 grand so far — “I put a little in myself,” he told CHS. Still, it’s an uphill battle for anybody facing a candidate with the bully pulpit of elected office.
“Endorsements are tough to come by when you’re challenging an incumbent,” Classen said.
As for the issues, Classen said he plans to focus on “21st century government,” and knows that his ties to the King County Prosecutor will be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to public safety. “I’ve worked with police officers and I have their trust. I have that trust,” Classen said. He believe better training and better transparency are needed to help restore the public’s faith in SPD.
Classen said he sees Capitol Hill as an example for the city’s future. “I live here for a reason. I love the Capitol Hill model,” Classen said, citing the Hill’s creative economy and progressive politics.
We’ll introduce other candidates and drill in deeper on issues as the race progresses. You can learn more at http://www.classenforseattle.com/
The Capitol Hill model works because it is being used on Capitol Hill…
Online records show Claasen donated himself $32,055 of that 59 grand you mention. “A litttle” – hee hee!
http://www2.seattle.gov/ethics/searchlist/lists.asp?elcycle=
It’s not surprising a serious candidate would donate to their own campaign. The $27,000 he’s raised in a month and a half from others is impressive. Godden has a real challenge on her hands.
I try not to bring down the property value of CHS, but Maurice Classen really excites me! As someone who enjoys Seattle nightlife, while also raising a family in the CH area (okay, Eastlake…the bastard stepchild of Capitol Hill), having someone from my generation who understands what makes a city vibrant, while still great for families, on the ballot is a great thing!
The professionalism Classen is bringing to his campaign is really impressive. I’ve heard him speak at a recent function and think that he has some great ideas for the future of Seattle. Based on what I’ve heard and read so far, he will bring some great energy to an at times stagnant Council. This guy is a doer and will be a great addition to our local government.
He’s pro-tunnel. Darn.
It’s nice to see Capital Hill finally getting some great candidates for city council. I’ve met Maurice a few times now and couldn’t have been more impressed. He’s clearly serious about public service and has been running a professional campaign (he’s too nice to say it, but Godden should have retired a decade ago). I love his excitement and energy. And the guy is sharp as hell (the article didn’t talk about how he teaches at UW Law in his “free time”). I think he will add a lot to the old, stuffy council we currently put up with. Good luck, Maurice! Do the hill proud!
Yay tunnel!
He’s pro-tunnel. Great!
Not only should Godden have retired a decade ago, she should’ve never gotten elected to begin with. All you had to do was read some of her simpleton columns in the Seattle Times and you’d have been left wondering WTF she was doing as a Council member anyway, and why anyone would vote for her. Good luck to Maurice, I suspect he’s got my vote already.