The race for the Ames City Council's 3rd Ward seat is now competitive. Long-time Ames resident and Iowa State University police official Rob Bowers announced his candidacy Monday. He says his nearly six years on the city's planning and zoning commission gives him a perspective on growth in Ames. Bowers also says the city needs to look for ways to diversify business and housing opportunities. Bowers will run against small business owner David Martin for the seat being vacated by Council member Peter Orazem.