Westmere farmer Alan Taylor reckons his election to the Whanganui District Council will give the rural community a wider mandate at council table.
While the rural electors have their own community board, Mr Taylor sees his election giving it a stronger voice and bringing more balance to what has been recently an urban-centric council.
He had previously served as chair of the community board but this election challenged for both a council seat and the mayoralty. He finished well behind new Mayor Hamish McDouall but was a clear runner-up about 1600 votes clear of Helen Craig in third spot.
"I think our team (Wanganui Beyond 2030) did exceptionally well (all four on the ticket were elected) but my decision to stand for mayoralty was a last minute one so I'm happy with what I achieved."
Mr Taylor said there was a groundswell in the electorate wanting change and he hoped the new council would bring about a change of culture in the council by adopting a more business-friendly attitude.