Candidates for the upcoming Ames City Council election have made official announcements and started their campaigns.

Jim Popken, former Smart Growth committee chair, and Dan Rice, former Planning and Zoning Commission member, have officially announced their candidacy for the at-large seat and the first ward seat, respectively.

Popken said 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.”

Popken added he has attended almost every city council meeting over the last couple years to keep on top of city issues.

Rice said he’s been thinking about running for a council seat for many years and this year the timing was right.

“It’s been an interest for many years. I’ve always been on a commission or board; I like to be part of the community,” Rice said. “The timing was right this year with Sharon (Wirth) stepping down and with my kids off to college.”

Some of the issues Rice is concerned about are the new mall proposal and the “one community” concept.

“I was on the Veishea committee and always believed in these principles. I want to continue to make it real and maintain it,” Rice said. “Ames is a fantastic community to live in, and a lot of what council does is maintaining what we have.”

Former city council member Ann Campbell also was mentioned as a candidate for mayor, but could not be reached for comment.

Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco said he has not yet decided on whether or not he will run again for mayor but will officially announce it soon.

Sharon Wirth, council member representing the first ward, said in April she was not running for re-election and Daryle Vegge, council member representing the third ward, said he has not made an official decision to run for re-election yet.

“I have enjoyed serving on the city council over the last three-and-a-half years. But at this time I have not definitely decided, but I am leaning heavily toward running for election again,” Vegge said.

Former city council member Ann Campbell also was mentioned as a candidate for mayor, but could not be reached for comment.

Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco said he has not yet decided on whether or not he will run again for mayor but will officially announce it soon.

Sharon Wirth, council member representing the first ward, said in April she was not running for re-election and Daryle Vegge, council member representing the third ward, said he has not made an official decision to run for re-election yet.

“I have enjoyed serving on the city council over the last three-and-a-half years. But at this time I have not definitely decided, but I am leaning heavily toward running for election again,” Vegge said.