He was the mayor of Ruapehu for six years and a Horizons councillor for three - now Weston Kirton is throwing his hat in the ring again.
He's standing for Bruce Rollinson's seat, representing the Ruapehu District on Horizons Regional Council.
Kirton milked cows on a Taumarunui farm for 30 years and said he is familiar with all the dairy compliance "rammed down farmers' necks big-time" and the controversial One Plan.
Most farmers - dairy and sheep and beef - are familiar with the environmental pressure they are under and respond very well, he said.
He also has an interest in transport, having once owned Ruapehu Taxis.