Ames school board elections will be held Tuesday, and candidates said there are many reasons ISU students should take an interest in the issues.

Gloria Symons is the only official candidate, but there are five declared write-in candidates, including one ISU student. Two seats are available.

Art Dixon, one of the candidates, said the possibility of a one-cent local sales option tax could affect ISU students – and their rent.

“This will be a big one for students who rent off campus,” he said. “If we don’t pass the one-cent tax, there will be an increase in property tax, and guess what – rent will go up.”

ISU students are a part of the community, and even though college students typically stay for four years, he hopes many will remain in Ames, Dixon said.

“A lot of them are going to have kids that will go to school in this community,” he said. “I hope a lot of them stay here, especially [potential] teachers. They have a vested interest here.”

Milan Dalal, junior in political science and write-in candidate, said he went to Ames High School and knows the people and the problems involving the district.

“I think I can bring a fresh perspective,” he said. “The next candidate is more than twice my age. I’ve had experience. I know the teachers, so I have a pretty good idea of the issues that are facing the community.”

Although the terms run for three years, Dalal said his schedule is flexible, and the meetings are only once a month. He said his main goals are implementing new technology and monitoring spending closely.

“Before we go out and spend millions of dollars [on a new middle school], I’d like to make sure that alternatives have been investigated,” Dalal said. “Problems are not solved by throwing money at them.”

Gloria Symons said she has experience in several areas, making her a good candidate.

“I have 17 years of social service experience and a degree in elementary education,” she said. “I’m passionate about the issues. I like the direction the school district is going, and I’d like to be a part of that movement.”

Both Symons and Dixon said they would like to see a stronger partnership between Iowa State and the Ames school district.

“The finances affect both of us,” Symons said. “We won’t be able to look to the state for money. Maybe we can come up with some innovative ways to make funding better for us both.”

The other candidates are incumbent Mary Jane Bastiaans, Gail Johnston and Mark Snell, all of whom could not be reached for comment.