John Haila came out of the corner of Arcadia where he was tucked away on the phone. The first thing he did as Ames’ new mayor-elect was hug one of his sons. 

Haila, an Iowa State graduate, is the first mayor-elect since 2006 when Ann Campbell was sworn in as mayor.

“I think he’ll bring a different perspective, fresh ideas, fresh blood…he’s more than ready,” Campbell said.

Haila was overcome with emotion as results came in.

“It really hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m humbled and honored,” Haila said.

John Haila, president of the Ames Transit Agency Board of Directors, will begin his tenure as mayor of Ames in January when Ann Campbell retires. By a margin of 58.41 percent to 41.59 percent, Haila secured his seat as mayor.

Haila, who was involved with the Campustown Action Association from 2010 until 2014 and spent two years as president, will now serve Ames in the highest position in the city government. Haila is eager to get to work.

“Build strong relationships with council, strength relationships between Iowa State, downtown, Campustown; my passion is working together for everybody,” Haila said.

Haila campaigned on public sector job growth, public-private partnerships and increasing diversity in Ames. Haila repeatedly expressed his belief in strength in diverse points of view being represented.

Haila’s son Nathan Haila was on hand for the Haila watch party at John Haila’s home.

“It’s a really exciting time for us — we really want to do something great for the city of Ames as families,” Nathan Haila said.

Nathan Haila was happy for his father and believed in John Haila’s potential from when he found out his father was running.

“I was excited — he’s at a stage in life where he’s making a transition, and 30 years of experience have really prepared him for mayor,” Nathan Haila said.

John Haila beat former City Councilwoman Victoria Szopinski for the mayoral seat. Szopinski felt John Haila ran a dishonest campaign.

“We did no negative campaigning, even though we had information,” Szopinski said. “We chose not to use it, the other side didn’t have the same regard; they made stuff up. There wasn’t anything negative so they made stuff up, and it’s unfortunate.”

Szopinski denied to comment further on her accusations of Haila’s alleged dishonesty. Szopinski also chose not to elaborate on what negative information the Szopinski campaign allegedly withheld about the Haila campaign.

“I’m very disappointed that they [Haila campaign] felt they had to make things up to win, that they had to resort to lying about me,” Szopinski said. “That is really the truth of what went on here. I hope [John Haila] does a good job.”

Steve Sullivan, Szopinski’s husband addressed the crowd at the Szopinski campaign watch party.

“You [Szopinski] did not lose to a retired architect. You lost to the Chamber of Commerce,” Sullivan said.

Campbell was impressed with the work ethic of both mayoral candidates.

“I’ve never seen anybody work as hard as both candidates,” Campbell said.

David Martin, who grew up in Campustown and spent his childhood around Iowa State will now represent the third ward on City Council. Martin will be sworn in when Peter Orazem vacates his seat in January. He won on a margin of 51.94 percent to 48.06 percent.

“I’m obviously happy about the outcome,” Martin said. “I’m pleased about taking on the role and working on behalf of the city.”

Martin is a former professor of computer science and now works full-time as a consultant in intellectual property litigation relating to software.

Martin beat Rob Bowers for the third ward City Council seat. Bowers, a 32-year veteran of the ISU Police Department, immediately threw his support behind Martin.

“Well it turned out David’s way, and he got more votes, and I’m sure he’ll do well,” Bowers said. “Obviously I would have like to have won, but I’m ready to support him.”

This will be Martin’s first job in public service and the core of his campaign is updating the digital infrastructure in Ames and increasing access to reliable high-speed internet. Martin, an openly gay man, also wants to increase inclusion for minority communities in Ames and campaigned on this intent.

Szopinski was excited for Martin winning the election.

“I think David Martin is a new voice, an educated person that understands what is critical to moving this community forward,” Szopinski said.