In 2000, ISU students were asked by Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco to list Ames addresses on their census forms. In 2004, ISU students were asked to “claim Ames” in order to once again help Ames, this time by surpassing the 50,000-person mark. In 2000, reaching the 50,000 milestone during the census allowed Ames to receive more than $500,000 per year in federal transportation funds.

As students, many of us did claim Ames, and together as a city we reached the 50,000 mark required for increased federal funding. Now that we have claimed Ames, however, we wish to have a say in the governmental process. We are being told, however, that we get to have no say in what goes on.

Our first step in making our voices heard came with the election of Matthew Goodman to the City Council. Most of us already recognized the late-night “Gyroman” as one who identified with and could relate to students. As a collective, we stood up and appointed one of our own to represent our interests.

Although Mr. Goodman still represents our interests, however, we discovered that one voice will still not allow us to have a say in the politics of Ames. Unfortunately, for us to elect a student to the council is all but impossible, since the term limits are set at four years. This is why the two-year term petition was created, and this is why we want it to pass. With a two-year term, students can realistically run for City Council.

It is true that individual students will only occupy Ames for four to six years. The students as a whole, however, will always be here. Even if we do not have an impact on our own future, perhaps we can represent the next class of students. And they can recognize the class after them.

Iowa State is Ames’ leading employer, and, with more than 20,000 students in residence, Ames is a college town. Believe it or not, college students do things like exceed a dwelling’s occupancy in order to scrape enough money together to pay rent. We put couches on our front porches in order to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. We even drink alcohol. It is part of being a student.

ISU students have claimed Ames. We support its businesses, our sales taxes are helping pay for the new middle school and our community service goes toward bettering the “one community” in which we all live.

We simply wish to have a say in its future.

Sean Odeen

Senior

Materials Engineering