The race for Ames mayor is now competative. Architecture firm founder John Haila announced today that he's throwing his hat in the ring. He'll face former City Council member Victoria Szopinski for the seat being vacated by three-term mayor Ann Campbell. In a news release, Haila credits his time with the Campustown Action Association and Ames Transit Agency Board for an interest in local government. He says a 40-year professional has given him significant experience in collaborating with diverse groups of people to achieve success, and volunteer activities in Ames has also shown him the value of collaborating with the diverse populations. Mayoral and City Council elections are November 7th.