The Ames City Council and the Government of the Student Body discussed the idea of a voting student City Council member, addressing one-sided platforms, and learning curve concerns at their Wednesday meeting.

To better facilitate student involvement, Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco suggested changing one seat on each of four different city boards and commissions to have a shorter term of service. The commissions he suggested for changes were the Planning and Zoning, Public Art, Human Relations and Parks and Recreation commissions.

“I really appreciate the fact you all are becoming so involved in the overall Ames concept,” Tedesco said.

There was also discussion about changing one of the at-large seats on the council to a two-year term instead of the current four-year term.

GSB Speaker of the Senate Henry Alliger said most students don’t live in one city ward for four years, so a shorter term for one at-large position would give students the option to run for a City Council seat.

Tedesco said nothing prohibits students from running for a City Council, or even for mayor. He said, however, it would be extremely difficult to run a one-issue candidacy — like student and community relations — in a city as complex as Ames. He suggested students participate in city commissions and boards to gain a broader appeal to the community.

Councilman Matthew Goodman said in order for the student body to have its needs addressed, it needs to take an active role, which doesn’t have to mean becoming a member of the council.

“Students need to show up for meetings, and the student body needs to be heard,” he said.

Tedesco proposed the concept of “one city,” referring to the idea of the Ames community encompassing both long- and short-term residents.