sentences:  He was elected to the Wanganui City Council as a councillor in 1977, re-elected in 1980 and stood for the mayoralty in 1983 upon the retirement of Mayor Ron Russell.He polled as runner-up to Doug Turney and was made deputy mayor in 1983 as a consequence.In 1986, he challenged Turney and was successful, winning with a majority of 1529 votes.