I must take issue with 10 former Ames City Council members (some of whom are friends of mine) who signed a letter published in last Tuesday’s Ames Tribune opposing two-year terms for all City Council seats. The two reasons they give for voting against the ballot proposition are not justifiable.

Reason No. 1: The learning curve is too great to master in two years. Maybe we need to elect smarter people. I contend that some past and current council members never really mastered their job even after serving four, eight, 12 or even 16 years. Instead, four-year terms have led to entrenchment, arrogance and cronyism.

Moreover, the representatives we elect to state and federal House seats don’t seem to have trouble learning their jobs in two years. Granted, they are paid more, and that leads to another gripe of mine.

Many highly qualified citizens are not able to run for City Council because they have to work full-time jobs and they can’t afford the time that is required to serve in these positions. We should increase City Council pay so money is not such a significant factor.

Reason No. 2: Campaigns are time-consuming, expensive and exhaustive. Are they really? If so, it is because we have let it happen. We need to pass strict election reform laws that limit expenditures and the time spent on campaigns.

Many non-student citizens of Ames can identify with students’ frustrations with an unresponsive City Council.

The students have responded by asking for a means to get better representation.

Those of us who oppose Bucky Wolford’s mall (now a glorified strip mall), mandated sidewalks, developments in the flood plains of our rivers, and the destruction of natural areas know how the students feel. We should join with the students and ask for better representation.

If two-year terms result in better accountability, then let’s go for it. Vote yes for two-year terms next Tuesday.

Erv Klaas

Chairman

Ames Citizens for Better Local Government