With the presidential election garnering much of the media and national attention, state and local candidates seeking election or re-election on this year’s ballot are often overshadowed. As we prepare to cast our ballots, I urge you to look critically at all the names, not just the ones at the top, and remember that decisions made by your local officials are the ones that impact your day-to-day life.
We are 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. This vitality doesn’t happen by chance – it is a direct result of strong and visionary leadership.
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 on the state level will make determinations on Iowa State University’s 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.
Although presidential and national races tend to receive the most attention, as we move closer to the 2020 General Election on Tuesday, November 3, please don’t forget the impact our state and local elected officials have on your daily life. This year’s election is more accessible than ever to vote. With mail-in, absentee, and in-person voting available starting as early as October 5, there is no reason why you can’t vote your voice. To the consistent, steady, and reliable voters, thank you. 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 on the Story County website, www.storycountyiowa.gov.
What happens on the local level matters. Whether you believe we are on a great path or have room for improvement, or maybe a little of both, know this: your voice can, and should, be heard this election. Make sure your voice is heard for this year’s 2020 election!
