As evidenced by the barrage of yard signs and leaflets, it’s that time again. Election season. You can count me among those who are still recovering from the onslaught of communication and persuasion heaped upon us from the presidential election. I still have a small involuntary flinch each time the phone rings at dinner.

Needless to say, I was not actively looking to get involved in our local election. In fact, beyond names on a yard sign, I usually let the city elections go by without a glance. However, I recently heard about a plan for Ames from Tom Wacha, who is running for City Council. Yes, I said the word plan — not generalities, not suggestions, not “someday we should” statements… an actual, logical, common-sense vision for the future of the Ames community.

At first, I didn’t think Ames needed to improve — I’m comfortable. Everything is pretty copacetic. As many of us do, especially in a college town, I forget my age. Like it or not, I have entered “mid-life” — minus the crisis, thank you very much. My husband and I came to Iowa State to attend school, moved back to Chicago and then, out of anywhere in the U.S. we could have gone, chose Ames to provide the best environment for our kids possible. We were impressed by the school system, the cultural opportunities, the atmosphere, family-friendly neighborhoods, the churches, the family values and the historical tradition of Iowa State and the city of Ames. We now take these things for granted, and we forget that there is young family after family after family that come here to go to school or work and are looking for the same things we found when we moved here.

Tom Wacha impressed me with his wish to hold on to the valuable traditions that makes the Ames community one of the nation’s best places to live, while moving forward by managing our time, money and land in such a way that other young families will still be able to choose to stay in Ames to live, work and play. Our own children have chosen to stay in Ames and attend Iowa State. Our hope is that the Ames community will continue to support its decision to remain in the area after graduation and attract other young professionals to do the same.

It is said that if you look at where someone spends their time and money, you will find out what is most important to their hearts. Tom Wacha lives what he preaches. He and his family have set down deep roots in Historic Old Town Ames. He has been a member of numerous boards and leadership groups that specifically support the Ames business community, Ames Community Schools, and the preservation of Ames history. He chose to work with a local entrepreneurial software company that promotes eco-friendly technology. He has helped what began as a small local business grow into an Ames community asset that competes for national accounts. It’s his obvious love for this community and his personal dedication to improving its future that really captures my attention and, in turn, my enthusiasm. Yes, actual enthusiasm for a candidate — in a city election, no less!

Feeling complacent lately? Want to see for yourself what the fuss is about? Check out www.tomwacha.org, meet Tom Wacha and see his common-sense vision for Ames. Not into reading? Check out his video on YouTube — search “Tom Wacha.” Vote on Nov. 3 and “Choose Ames.”

Stacey Trytek Ames resident