We are extremely fortunate to live in a vibrant and financially thriving community. Because of outstanding local leadership at the state, county, and municipal levels, Ames and Story County continue to flourish. We continue to see investment throughout the community that equates to a high quality of life here in Story County. This vitality doesn’t happen by chance – it is a direct result of strong and visionary leadership.
In less than two weeks, voters in Story County will have the opportunity to vote for individuals who will make decisions on our behalf in the State Legislature or Story County Administration. As we approach November 6, I urge you to look critically at all names on the ballot and remember that decisions made by your local officials are the ones that impact your day-to-day life.
At the county level, elected offices on this year’s ballot will have direct control over the funding of programs that keep us moving forward. They will work to guarantee services are continually offered to smaller communities throughout the county maintaining a high standard of living for all residents, and that economic and community development are front and center as the county continues to grow.
Elected officials at the state level will make determinations on Iowa State University’s state appropriations moving forward, as well as the appropriations to the Iowa Department of Transportation, and Des Moines Area Community College. They formulate and implement policies that can have major implications for the City of Ames, Story County, and our neighboring municipalities, and oversee state programs that have directly impacted several major employers here in Ames and throughout Story County.
As we move closer to the 2018 General Election on Tuesday, November 6, please remember the impact our state and local elected officials have on your daily life.
To the consistent, steady, and reliable voters, thank you for capitalizing on one of our most fundamental rights as Americans: the right to vote. To those who do not consider themselves politically active and maybe have never voted before, there is no time like the present. All necessary voter and election materials can be attained at the Story County Auditor’s Office (900 6th St. in Nevada) or on their website, www.storycountyiowa.gov.
What happens at the local level matters. Make sure you are heard this election season and join the Ames Chamber of Commerce in voting your voice on Tuesday, November 6!
