We urge Ames residents to join us in support of Herman Quirmbach in his run for the Democratic nomination in Senate District 23. He has the experience, the leadership and the skills to be another in a long line of superb Ames leaders in the Iowa Legislature.

We have worked with Herman on several issues during his tenure on City Council. The most recent was the acquisition of Hallett’s Quarry as a park. The passage of this bond issue by an overwhelming 86 percent was, in large part, a reflection of Herman’s leadership and dedication to the issue. We were impressed with his pursuit of information on the complexity of issues involved, his fairness in listening to people with all views, his articulate remarks in the council and his commitment of time, energy and organizational skills to a cause that he and his constituents believed in. We need his skills in the Iowa Senate.

He has proven himself many times on the City Council, having the fortitude to stand for progressive causes that his constituents support: a healthy environment, a sound and sustainable economy and protection of civil liberties. As an educator and an economist, his skills are desperately needed in the Legislature as we seek our way out of the current budget crisis and plan for the future. We need his leadership in the Iowa Senate.

We believe that state government needs people with sound ideas, with convictions based on rational decision-making, and with the ability to organize and convince others with his articulate power of reason. Herman Quirmbach has proven that he has those qualities with his exemplary service on the Ames City Council. We need his experience, his knowledge and his skills in the Iowa Senate.

Please join us in voting for Herman Quirmbach in the June 4 primary.

James and Cynthia Pease

Ames