Justin Dodge Announces City Council Campaign

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Justin Dodge, a flight operations manager for GeoVantage, announced Thursday that he intends to run for Ames City Council in Ward One.

Dodge is an Iowa State University graduate, a current president of the local Ames Masonic Lodge and a member of the Young Professionals of Ames.

Dodge said in a campaign announcement that he would offer an independent voice who will advocate for the betterment of Ames and its citizens.

“I’m proud of Ames and its citizens and look forward to having the opportunity to serve the community,” Dodge said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to encouraging a strong private sector, while increasing the quality of life for our citizens. I believe we can do this by ensuring affordable and attainable housing; enhancing our parks, recreation, and trails system; and by continually enhancing our community’s partnership with Iowa State University to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations.”

He said that he would focus on maintaining a fiscally-responsible city budget, affordable utility costs and would support Campustown and main street enhancements.

“As a member of the Ames City Council, I pledge to work diligently with the citizens of Ames to make our community the best it can be. Although our community faces a number of challenges going forward regarding the needed electric utility upgrades, flood mitigation aspects, and overall community growth; I believe we will be a stronger community as a result—because we faced these challenges together as a community,” Dodge said in a prepared statement.

Dodge plans to run for Ward 1, currently represented by Tom Wacha. Wacha has already announced that he would not run for re-election as have Jami Larson and Jeremy Davis.

See: Third Council Member Announces End of City Gov. Career