It bolsters my faith in our electoral system when a political newcomer enters the arena with good ideas, energy, and enthusiasm for the challenges of leadership. Mike Miller, a candidate for the at-large seat on City Council, is just such a potential leader.

Repeating all his positions would make this letter too lengthy, so I will just mention a few that touch on issues I feel strongly about: Mike pledges to engage in proactive city planning for promoting health and quality of life, promoting walkable communities and expanding Ames’ participation in the Cool Cities initiative. He is committed to protecting and enhancing our natural environment, including our green spaces, and to planning ahead to make sure we retain excellent water quality and quantity.

He will emphasize demand-side energy management and efficiency, and work for incentives for individual control on energy consumption.

I encourage Ames citizens to find out more about Mike and his vision for Ames at www.millerforcitycouncil.com/, or stop in and see him in his Main Street business, Gallery 319. “Make your mark for Miller” on Tuesday, November 3.

— Mary Richards,

Ames