In an email this afternoon, city council member Jean Godden made official what everyone (including four opponents) already knew: She's running for reelection.

Dispensing right away with whispers (rarely spoken aloud) that, at 79, she's too old to serve another term, Godden writes:

Yes, I know. I’ve heard all the press speculation that I might be too old to run, or that I am “slowing down,” but I've got to say there’s no one throwing these ageist barbs who could keep up with me at my daily aerobic class.

What does experience get you besides a year older and a few more wrinkles? I know the history of Seattle and why important decisions have been made. Long ago I abandoned ego and concern over headlines. Instead I strive for solutions that make people whole and I see more value in cooperation than confrontation.

The bottom line for me: No more apologizing for one’s life journey. It might just lead us out of the most depressing era of our lives.

If Godden wins reelection, she will turn 84 during the final year of her next term. All four of her opponents are considerably younger than her, and all are men.