I am writing this letter as a concerned member of the Ames community — not as the Government of the Student Body speaker of the senate, not as a GSB presidential candidate.

The Story County Board of Supervisors held a public forum Tuesday in which Ordinance No. 141, more commonly known as the keg registration proposal, was to be discussed. This discussion did not take place, nor was a firm commitment made as to when that discussion would take place, but I look forward to community members participating in that discussion when it does occur.

Slightly later in the evening, the Ames City Council met with an agenda that included approving April 5 as the date for a special election to consider changing the length of City Council terms to two years. All of the council members present expressed their opinions on the issue, as did I.

Councilman Riad Mahayni addressed a concern that I would like to continue to address. What benefit does this change provide to the community as a whole? Ames has a diverse population, in many aspects, that includes many community members who live within the community for less than five years. Yet, this is about more than getting “students” a seat on the council. It is about making the council more responsive to the needs of all Ames residents. It is about providing a forum for everyone to work together to build “one community.” It is about bringing a fresh perspective to many issues that have gone without discussion for too long.

With the opportunity for this forum to take place, it is important for you to be involved. Educate yourself and other community members about this issue. Discuss your concerns about representation within the community. Most importantly, vote on April 5.

Henry Alliger

Senior

Animal Science