The 50th Mayor of Seattle, a lawyer-turned-politician, is known for his progressive policies and efforts to revitalize the city's waterfront. He's also remembered for his handling of the 1999 WTO protests.
Paul Schell, the 50th mayor of Seattle, Washington, is renowned for his unwavering dedication to the city's growth and development. During his tenure from 1998 to 2002, Schell spearheaded various initiatives that transformed Seattle into the thriving metropolis it is today.
Born Paul Ervin Schlachtenhaufen on October 8, 1937, in Pomeroy, Iowa, Schell was the oldest of six children to Lutheran minister Ervin Schlachtenhaufen and nurse Gertrude Reiff Schlachtenhaufen. He grew up in a small farm town, where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for community service.
Schell attended Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he played linebacker on the school football team. He also worked as a short-order cook and a fireman to support himself during college.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Schell transferred to the University of Iowa and later attended law school at Columbia University in New York. It was during his time at Columbia that he met his future wife, Pam, a registered nurse.
Schell began his law career at the Dewey Ballantine law firm in New York, specializing in corporate finance. He later shortened his surname to Schell, citing practicality rather than politics, as the longer name wouldn't fit on computer punch cards.
In 1967, Schell moved to Seattle and joined the Perkins Coie law firm, where he practiced business and securities law. He later left Perkins Coie to help form a new law firm, Hillis, Schell, Phillips, Cairncross, Clark and Martin.
Schell's involvement in civic activism began in the 1970s, when he joined the Allied Arts of Seattle to save the Pike Place Market from redevelopment. This passion for community-driven projects led him to leave legal practice for civic affairs in 1973, when Mayor Wes Uhlman appointed him as director of the Seattle Center.
Schell's mayoral tenure was marked by significant developments in Seattle, including the revitalization of the waterfront, the expansion of the Seattle Center, and the revitalization of the city's neighborhoods.
Some of his notable achievements include:
Schell's dedication to Seattle's growth and development earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of his constituents. He left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations of Seattleites.
Schell married his wife, Pam, in 1963, and they had one daughter, Jamie, born in 1971. He passed away on July 27, 2014, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the city he loved.
Throughout his life, Schell remained committed to his community and his values, earning him the nickname "the people's mayor." His unwavering dedication to Seattle's development has cemented his place in the city's history, inspiring future leaders to follow in his footsteps.
70 Years Old
The 51st Mayor of Seattle, a lawyer-turned-politician, is known for his environmental initiatives and efforts to revitalize the city's waterfront. He's also recognized for his role in shaping the city's transportation infrastructure.
