City and campus communication is a main goal for Craig Buske’s term as ex-officio member of the Ames City Council.

“I hope to improve the relationships between the university and the city, and get everyone communicating more,” said Buske, senior in political science.

Specifically, he said he also wanted the council to look into the Safe Venues Report that came out of the Veishea Task Force.

The report offers many suggestions for decreasing large campus parties, such as lowering the age limit for the bars from 21 to 19.

Buske was appointed to the position in May by Government of the Student Body President Emily Jensen.

Before the appointment, Buske had never attended a City Council meeting, he said, but did follow the news stemming from the meetings. His interest in the position stemmed from conversations with former ex-officio member Tony Borich.

Now he attends all council meetings and sits in on other meetings, such as the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, to help him gain perspective and background knowledge.

As an ex-officio member of the council, Buske has similar duties to an elected member, but he does not have a vote.

“Some members are on other commissions as representatives from the council, but the ex-officio is not,” said Ames City Councilman Matthew Goodman. “He is as encouraged to enter into discussions with ideas as any other member.”

Not having a vote brings a different perspective, Buske said.

“As a nonvoting member, it’s interesting . people will talk to you differently because they’re not worried about whether or not you’ll vote for them,” he said.

His only power, Buske said, is to influence people by opinion, reason and logic.

“It’s a good way to learn about argue and persuasion,” he said.

Goodman said his reaction to Buske’s appointment was “very positive.”

“Craig [Buske] seems like a nice guy and a thinker,” he said. “It’s always good to have student perspective on the council.”

Buske received positive reactions from all council members, he said.

“They’ve all been very accepting and they want to help me get used to the position,” he said. “So far I’ve gotten good responses from the opinions I’ve put forward.”

Jensen was unavailable for comment.