Confirmation of the replacement for former ex-officio student City Council representative

Andrew Tugan is expected at Wednesday’s Government of the Student Body meeting.

GSB President Angela Groh has appointed Tony Borich, College of Design senator and senior in community and regional planning, to the position. Ames City Council and GSB members cited his experience with a variety of community and student issues as the reason Borich was chosen for the position.

“He’s been a [longtime] resident of Ames; I think that gives him a unique perspective,” Groh said. “He has the ability to look very globally at certain issues. Most of what City Council does is not related to students, and we needed someone who could effectively look at the big picture.”

Groh said there were other qualified applicants for the position but declined to say who they were.

She said Borich’s service on the Ames Transit Board and GSB, as well as his experience with economic development plans for Ames, were important factors behind his appointment to the position.

“I think he’ll be successful because he has an interest in the community and a knowledge of the issues as they relate to some of the things the community is interested in and some of the things students are interested in,” Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco said. “I think he understands this position deals with a lot of things other than just one or two special interests.”

Borich said his experience interacting with GSB and city officials has prepared him for the position.

“I think that collaborating with them on their agenda and representing what the students feel on city issues will be the most important part of my position,” he said. “I’ve always paid close attention to issues that aren’t necessarily related to students.”

He said although it is too early to identify specific goals for his term, issues like parking in Campustown, nuisance party regulations, the bar admittance age and over-occupancy rules could all be addressed.

“I think within the coming year we will be able to address the historic issues students have with City Council policies,” Borich said.

“I don’t know how much change we’ll be able to achieve — just being able to establish strong links between the council and students, on which the council has done an excellent job in the past year, will help represent student viewpoints.”

Councilman Matthew Goodman said although Borich needs to be able to relate to the council, he also needs to be able to discuss controversial issues.

“He already has quite a bit of respect from the council, and that will help him communicate and bring students’ concerns to the council effectively,” Goodman said.

The City Council must also vote to approve Borich to the position. Tedesco said the council would decide at its April 26 meeting.

Ryan Doll, GSB Towers Residence Association senator, said he thinks Borich will be confirmed at the Wednesday GSB meeting.

“I have not heard any strong opposition against him,” he said. “It’s just a simple majority he needs. I’m pretty sure he will get that and then some.”