Most candidates for city commission run only after they’ve spent a few years establishing themselves professionally and personally in the community.

Zachary Bassin, 23, figures he had better run now before he gets too busy. Bassin grew up in Kansas City, Kan. But he graduated in May from Kansas University and continues to live in Lawrence while attending law school at Washburn University in Topeka.

“I figured while I’m here, I’ve got some extra time while I’m younger,” Bassin said. “Before I get out there working every day, I’d like to help out with the community.”

Bassin on Friday was the seventh candidate to file for the Lawrence City Commission race, guaranteeing a Feb. 25 primary to whittle the field to six for the April 1 general election.

He joins a field that includes incumbent Commissioner Mike Rundle, plus challengers Lee Gerhard, Lynn Goodell, Dennis “Boog” Highberger, Ken McRae and David Schauner.

Bassin said he wanted to create more parks in North Lawrence and in new neighborhoods in west Lawrence. He also would like to see more cooperation among the city, school district and KU.

“We have all these great resources here, but I feel they’re individually used instead of pooled, as they should be, in a cost-saving method,” he said.

Law school can place extraordinary demands on students, but Bassin said that wouldn’t interfere with his service as a commissioner.

“It’s all about how you make time,” he said. “And since I live here in Lawrence, I can make enough time to do anything.”

The filing deadline for office is noon today.