Controversial issues affecting the City of Ames are causing strong campaigns for council candidates.

Russ Cross, president for Wells Fargo Financial Preferred Capital and councilman, said he is going to run for re-election.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I believe I’ve had an impact and want to continue it for the City of Ames and local government,” he said. “It was a considerable decision, because, understandably, it takes time.”

Cross has served on the council since being elected in 1998 and represents the at-large seat. Jim Popken, former Smart Growth committee chair, has also announced his candidacy for the at-large seat.

Cross said some of the issues the city is facing are very important to him.

“There are issues that are important and those are the reasons why I’m running again,” he said. “And some of these issues that we are facing may happen sooner than next year.”

Cross said he believes some concerns that are important are continuing the efforts at strengthening relationships and communications with students and neighborhoods, the redevelopment of downtown and increased cooperation and a “closer working relationship” with the Ames Community School District.

“We need to look for ways to work together. They want to grow enrollment and we want to grow Ames. We have mutual goals of interest,” he said. “We both want to improve the quality of life for Ames and to attract new residents.”

Cross said part of dealing with these issues is continuing efforts that have already been started.

“We’ll continue to work cooperatively with the school board to clearly understand challenges they are facing with growing enrollments and things as we make Ames more attractive for people with young families,” he said.

Popken said in a previous interview that his experience in various aspects of city government and neighborhood coalitions grew into a desire to seek a council seat, but some of the issues recently have spurred him into action.

“Looking at growth issues in town is part of my reason. I want to see growth happen, but quality of life needs to balance off some of the growth,” Popken said. “I would also like to see the city and the school district communicate a little better and work together. Especially in the land use area, because it sounds like the schools are going to sell some property.”

Cross said one of the most important things he has learned is the power of listening.

“Listening is extremely important and is one of the things I’ve learned well since being on council,” he said. “You learn best when you’re listening and you make better decisions when you hear from as many people as possible.”

City Councilwoman Sharon Wirth has already announced that she will not run again. In a previous interview, Councilman Daryle Vegge said he is leaning toward another run, but is undecided.