Corrections were made to this article Sept. 24, 2005 at 2:52 p.m. CDT. The Daily regrets the error.

With the future of James “Bucky” Wolford’s new mall still up in the air, the outcome of November’s City Council election could affect the city’s decision on whether to approve Wolford’s request for rezoning – candidates have expressed a range of opinions.

Because of the protest, a super majority vote of five of the six council members will be needed to approve the mall.

“It will be one of the major issues in this election,” said Dan Rice, academic adviser for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and 1st Ward candidate.

Rice said he would not vote to change the Ames Land Use Policy or move the designated commercial area. The new mall could not be built without these changes, because the site is not zoned for commercial use.

Problems with the proposed mall are not limited to the land use policy and the rezoning of the area, however. The lack of proposed anchor stores for the new mall is a problem as well, Rice said. Several Ames residents have been outspoken with their views on “smart commercial growth” and have expressed concern with developing the external areas of Ames.

“I’m not in favor of the mall,” said Jim Popken, founding board member of Ames Smart Growth and candidate for the at-large seat.

Popken said the council’s vote has been traditionally against the mall, and expects it to stay that way, especially if it requires a super majority. He said he would consider supporting the mall if it were at a different location, as long as he knew exactly where the location was first.

“I am, and continue to be, supportive of increasing retail shopping choices in Ames,” said Russ Cross, incumbent councilman running for the at-large seat.

Cross said Ames’ status as a “regional city” affects the proposal for the new mall. He said Ames caters to many neighboring towns, and having a mall placed on the edge of Ames would be a good idea.

Ryan Doll, senior in political science and 3rd Ward candidate, said he does not think the mall fits with the land use policy. He said if the mall site were located in an area already zoned for commercial growth, it would be another issue.

“I don’t see it fitting Ames in the next five, 10, 20, 30 years,” Doll said. “I think it will draw business out of Main Street, Campustown and North Grand.”

Robin Habeger, 1st Ward candidate and program coordinator for the College of Business, said she is not against the mall proposal at its current location and is in favor of the land use policy. Habeger said the current location proposed for the new mall coincides with Ames’ land use policy, and it promotes regional commerce instead of only citywide commerce.

Daryle Vegge, incumbent councilman running for 3rd Ward seat, said the location by Interstate 35 is good for a regional mall. He also said the mall issue should not be the only focus of the upcoming elections.

Jeremy Davis, enrollment services adviser for the student financial aid office and 3rd Ward candidate, was unavailable for comment.