We support Russ Cross for re-election to the City Council because Russ understands the kind of growth Ames needs.

Russ has been a leader, focusing the council’s stated goal of advancing the Ames bioeconomy.

The goal means synergy, building on the expertise at Iowa State, the ISU Research Park and the National Center’s for Animal Health.

With declining enrollment in the Ames Community School District, it is vital that well-planned growth be a top priority.

Russ’s opponent, Jim Popken, former chair of Ames Smart Growth, is endorsed and appears financially supported by a group that wants to replace current council members who voted in favor of the new mall.

Smart Growth principles are one thing and the group called Ames Smart Growth is another.

Smart Growth principles are found throughout the Land Use Policy Plan which was supported by Russ and approved during his first council term.

Smart Growth principles include fostering a sense of place, promoting walkability in the village concept we see happening in Somerset and infill development we see happening in east and southeast Ames.

Ames Smart Growth seems less interested in Smart Growth principles and more interested in reverting Ames to a quaint, non-business, college town.

Nationally, Smart Growth endorses development of lifestyle centers. Locally, Ames Smart Growth opposes the lifestyle center.

The reality is competition for bioeconomic development across the United States is intense.

Ames and Iowa State are among many university communities seeking new biotech industries and the families and higher-paying jobs that come with them.

When these new families tour Ames looking for housing, what do they think when they see “No New Mall” signs? Do they feel welcome?

Will they find the shopping choices they want in Ames or burn fuel in frequent trips to Ankeny and Des Moines?

The “No New Mall” signs and the political bedfellows that inspired them are hurting our community’s ability to attract new families.

What will happen if Smart Growth candidates are elected to the City Council? We do not want to take that chance.

Please join us on Nov. 8 in voting to re-elect Russ Cross.

Marty Simpson

Resident

Ames

Teresa Simpson

Resident

Ames