There has been lots of rhetoric flying around at City Council candidate forums — all candidates claim they will bridge the gap between students and the rest of Ames.

But who will actually stand up and fight for student rights and the ISU community? Who is best qualified to be a voice for the students? Matt Denner is the only student running for the fourth ward seat, and he is the best qualified for this position.

But put aside the fact he is a student for a moment — he is also an accomplished Ames resident who has the experience to get the job done. Matt sits on the Ames Public Arts Commission, where he has been involved with numerous projects to beautify and add culture to downtown Ames. He has worked for Iowa Citizen Action Network, where his mission was to create health care for Iowans in need of support. He is a leading environmental and student rights activists in the Ames community who has fought for clean energy and affordable housing.

Matt Denner is a not another wealthy landowner who see Ames as a town on its way to suburbia. He will stand up for small businesses like the ones in Campustown that were recently forced to close down. He will protect the environment by improving Ames’ waste management and recycling programs and planning for Ames’ future energy needs by using alternative energy sources. He is a student who will fight for quality affordable housing and fair wages. He has also never supported bans on drink specials.

And last, but certainly not least, he will bridge the gap between students and the Ames community once and for all. He will stand up for what’s right to provide students and nonstudents in Ames with a high quality of life.

Matt Denner will apply his spirit, his energy and his voice to fight for your concerns. When you go to your polling place today, remember Matt Denner is the fourth ward candidate best qualified for the city, for the students and for all of us.

Hannah Schoenthal-Muse

Senior

Liberal Studies