An Ames council member said several key issues are the driving forces behind his campaign for re-election.

Daryle Vegge, council member representing the third ward, has officially announced he will try to keep his seat for a second term because of certain issues the city faces.

“There are things that this council has started that I want to be around to see completed — the downtown project, the urban fringe plan, the university impacted area, ‘one community’ and the city-school project for affordable housing,” Vegge said. “Looming ahead are such things as a re-visit to the rec plex and the Land Use Policy Plan.”

Vegge said all the projects facing council are important, just in different aspects. One project, the city-school project for affordable housing, is especially important.

“There needs to be a balance — you have to make houses affordable but still make sure they fit in with the surrounding area,” he said. “The main goal is to move more kids into the community district.”

The “one community” issue is really driven by the ISU Government of the Student Body, Vegge said.

“It’s driven by Angela Groh and Chris Deal, we’ll just have to see where they are going and support them,” he said.

Vegge said he has “fully enjoyed” his first term and finds the work rewarding and educational.

“It is a way to learn what makes a town like Ames tick and then have some effect on it,” he said. “What I may have enjoyed the most is getting to know a wide variety of people through council issues and action.”

Vegge said he now has a “little bit” of experience, but is still new enough to bring fresh ideas and a desire to learn more to the council.

“I listen to all sides of an issue before making a decision and then make the decision I feel is best for the total citizenry of Ames,” he said.

Three seats on the council and the mayoral position will be decided at the Nov. 8 election.