Ames City Councilman Steve Goodhue said he would resign this summer, which could shift the council’s opinion on building a new shopping center.

Goodhue, who has represented Ames’ 2nd Ward since January 2000, will become president of First American Bank in Des Moines on June 1.

Currently the president of First American Bank in Ames, Goodhue said his new position would require a greater time commitment and to relocate to Des Moines.

“The decision to step down is directly related to career and family,” he said. “I have enjoyed [serving on the council] immensely and certainly hope I’ve added some value in doing so.”

Goodhue and 4th Ward Councilman Riad Mahayni have been long-time supporters of a proposed shopping center to be built in east Ames along 13th Street and Interstate 35. The four other members of the council have voiced opposition to the development.

Goodhue’s resignation could shift the council’s support for the project, should a development opponent replace him.

“I’ve worked hard to advance some initiatives and I hope those initiatives don’t go away,” he said. “That decision, with relation to the 13th Street development, will be made by the current council.”

Goodhue said decisions regarding long-standing projects such as the new mall have been ongoing and future decisions wouldn’t happen abruptly.

“A lot of the things we do on the council and at the council level don’t happen overnight,” he said. “There are things that started when I started six years ago that are still under consideration.”

Matthew Goodman, at-large councilman, said he didn’t know whether Goodhue’s departure would change the council’s feelings toward the mall debate.

“On his position, I have generally disagreed with him, but I’ve disagreed with my wife on a lot of things too,” he said.

“On how the tide could swing [with regards to the mall], I have no idea.”

Dan Rice, 1st Ward councilman, said although considering a new mall is important to the council, it is critical to find a competent replacement.

“There’s a lot of things in Ames besides a new mall,” he said. “I think we just want to get a qualified person.”

The council could vote to appoint a citizen living in the 2nd Ward to replace Goodhue or proceed with a special election, according to Iowa Code.

Tony Borich, ex-officio student council representative, said he believes a special election will be held to replace Goodhue.

“The indications that I’ve heard are that there will be an election,” he said. “I would certainly hope that if an election is held that the candidates will have a broad interest in a lot of different issues pertaining to the city.

“If the last election is any indicator, it will probably focus on that issue.”

Borich, senior in community and regional planning, said Goodhue’s replacement could be the tipping point on whether the mall moves forward.

“Whoever is elected, it will probably be the decisive vote. Unless rezoning occurs prior to the person is elected or appointed, it becomes a moot issue,” he said.

Goodman said he didn’t know whether a replacement would be appointed or a special election would be held.

“One of the immediate concerns with a special election is there could be a vacancy for a period of time,” he said.

“The danger of appointing a replacement is the council [may not] correctly appoint someone who accurately represents that ward.”

Goodhue said he is proud of several accomplishments the council made while he served, including expanding local industries, the creation of the Ames Community Development Park off I-35, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 5205 Grand Ave., and helping to open communication with students and other community neighborhoods.

“There’s no doubt I’m going to miss Ames and I will miss my involvement in the Ames City Council,” he said.

Given the chance, Goodhue said he would consider returning to Ames and municipal government.

“If the opportunity ever came up to come back and be elected to city government, I’d be delighted,” he said.