Iowa State Professor Herman Quirmbach is running for a seat on the Ames City Council this fall.

Quirmbach, an associate professor of economics, is running as a candidate from the city’s 4th Ward. The 4th Ward includes the area from north of Lincoln Way to 13th Street and west of Stange Road and Wallace Road.

Quirmbach has lived in the 4th Ward for more than five years. He said he likes its mix of housing and parts of the ISU campus.

“That’s what makes this part of town such a community,” Quirmbach said.

If he is elected to the city council, Quirmbach said finding affordable housing for Ames residents would be one of his top priorities.

“We seem to have enough high-value housing in Ames,” he said. “What we need to do is find a way to add subdivisions with a mix of house values.”

Quirmbach said the growth that Ames is experiencing needs to be “environmentally responsible.” He said the city should show caution when it reviews its land-use policies.

“As this city grows we must protect key environmental areas,” he said.

His knowledge of economics will benefit the city, Quirmbach said. “We need to weigh carefully both the costs and benefits of growth proposals.”

He said being on campus will also give him access to student needs and problems.

“I am the only candidate for the 4th Ward seat who is on campus everyday,” he said.