On Nov. 6, the citizens of Ames will be asked to vote on a sale of municipal bonds not to exceed $4.97 million to acquire Hallett’s Quarry, a decision that could change the landscape of Ames for years in the future. The city hopes to use the quarry as a secondary water source, but if the sale is voted down, that land will more than likely become a residential community, a blow for conservation advocates.

For ISU students, the first question that undoubtedly comes to mind when they hear about this extremely important city decision is “What the hell is a Hallett’s Quarry?” And that is a shame.

Hallett’s Quarry is just one example of the lack of local governmental involvement of ISU students, who take up half of the city’s population yet are silent come election time. How many students are aware that Nov. 6 is also the date Ames will elect city officials, including the person who will replace Ann Campbell as the 3rd Ward council member, the ward that includes the Iowa State campus?

It is very important ISU students become involved in the political process in the city of Ames, especially considering the potential effect their opinions can have on decision-making.

Ames college students are a giant, untapped political force right now, and all of us need to use that to our advantage.

Thursday, only 40 people attended the “Meet the Candidates” forum, where students had a great opportunity to listen to and meet the candidates that will be making decisions that will, one way or the other, affect the student body. And yet, all but 40 students overlooked a chance to become involved and make a difference.

Candidates for the 3rd Ward council seat sound good enough, wanting to “improve Campustown” and “bring more business to Ames,” but what does that mean? What initiatives will be put forth to make Campustown a better place? How can more business be brought to Ames?

The only way to find the answers to those questions is to ask. And finding out those answers is the only way to ensure your vote is an informed one.

While it may seem insignificant that Ames is thinking about buying a giant park with a lot of water in it, it will affect the city ISU students live in. ISU students are more than wandering four-year nomads, staying in Ames only to get an education and pay sales tax. They are Ames citizens and should do what they can to become active in the decision-making processes of the city.

Maybe next time an ISU student will become a candidate for the City Council, the ultimate display of political participation. Until then, if students want to be part of the loop when it comes to Ames’ governmental decisions (i.e. smoking ordinance), there needs to be a discerning effort from them. If not, don’t bother complaining.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Zach Calef, Omar Tesdell