A group of students has petitioned for a special election to shorten all Ames City Council terms to two years.

Decreasing the current terms would increase accountability, continuity and responsiveness to better serve residents in the Ames community.

ISU students make up 54 percent of Ames’ voting population. With a strong student voter turnout April 5, we can begin to change the way Ames governs itself.

The issue at hand is not a matter of the city of Ames versus ISU students. The student body will always have a long-term presence in Ames, though each student has a short-term presence individually.

It is up to the student body to stand up for the interest of future Ames residents by shortening City Council terms. For a four-year resident of Ames, this would double the voting opportunities for City Council.

If any students are interested in becoming more involved with student voter turn out for the special election April 5, call 294-2994, or visit votefor2.org.

Katie Petersen

Senior

Plant Health and Protection