Politics & Government

Gloria Betcher Announces City Council Campaign

An Iowa State University English professor and Campustown Action Association member, Gloria Betcher, announced Tuesday that she will seek the City Council's first ward seat.

“People in Ames hold diverse and well-considered views on subjects that impact their daily lives, and citizens are willing and able to articulate those views,” Betcher said in her campaign announcement. 

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Betcher said the city has an odd set of circumstances in this year's election; all the seats but one are up for election because of redistricting and three incumbents will not seek re-election. 

"Turn-over in the Council make-up could open up exciting opportunities for change, but change can be positive or negative and could lead to a Council less responsive to citizens' concerns. I would like to be part of a responsive Council that continues to listen to the citizens of Ames," Betcher said.

Find out what's happening in Ameswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition to serving on the Ames Historic Preservation Commission for eight years, Betcher has also served on the VEISHEA Task Force, the “One Community Implementation Committee and the South Campus Area Neighborhood Association Board.

Betcher has lived in Ames with her husband for 20 years and worked for the University since 1993.

“My husband and I live in his boyhood home. To me, quality of life and a sense of place are key to our community's growth and its continuing prosperity” Betcher said in a prepared statement.

Betcher's broader council goals include encouraging a facade grant program in Campustown, seeking partnerships in government and advocating for proper development in the flood plain, withing the urban fringe area and on former school district properties.

“I am striving to meet the social needs of the people of Ames and work to improve their quality of life while encouraging economic growth. My vision is a city where we all have the opportunity to succeed," she said.

Tom Wacha, the current first ward councilman, has said that he will not run for re-election. Justin Dodge, a flight operations manager for GeoVantage, has announced he would also run for the first ward council seat.

See: Justin Dodge Announces City Council Campaign


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