Plans to once again implement the position of landlord liaison is being discussed at length within the Government of the Student Body.

The liaison is a city council position that acts as a mediator between the apartment landlord and tenants during disputes. The liaison is a resource for students looking for available properties and helps with the programming and organization between the City of Ames and GSB.

The position was discontinued in 2000, along with other programs that were part of the Adult Student Services program. The discontinuation of these positions was caused by budget cuts, said Maggie Luttrell, GSB vice president and senior in history.

Daniel Fischer, GSB president and senior in agricultural business, said he recently began a “general discussion with city staff,” including Ames Mayor Ann Campbell.

The project is in its initial stages, but Fischer said he has had four or five meetings with city officials and has received a favorable reaction. Fischer observed that city staff are willing to work with students to implement the position.

Luttrell filled the city council liaison position for GSB last year and was present when the prospect of campaigning for a landlord liaison came up in the Student Affairs commission one year ago. Luttrell mentioned it is an important position that will “directly benefit students.”

Molly Tracy, GSB City Council liaison and junior in anthropology, agreed with Fischer and Luttrell in the importance of the liaison position.

“We have a lot of off-campus students. Having the [liaison] back would really benefit the student body,” she said.

Tracy said she has plans to work closely with the Ames City Council to promote the reimplementation of the landlord liaison position.

Fischer also has plans to work closely with the City Council. Although Fischer noted the project is still in its “initial discussion,” plans to organize funding are also being discussed.

“Right now, we’re just discussing little things about who [the liaison] will primarily serve and where to get the money,” Fischer said.

GSB has not had any formal discussions about where the money to support the position will come from, although, in the past it was funded by GSB and the Dean of Students’ office.

Fischer said GSB will not discuss the project in senate until “a full proposal is unveiled or money is requested.”