As the Labor candidate for the federal seat of Gilmore in 2007, Neil Reilly had 30,000 people put number one next to his name, more than 37 per cent of the primary vote.
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Less than 12 months later, Mr Reilly just scraped onto Kiama council, securing the ninth spot on preferences after his unaffiliated ticket received just 5 per cent of the primary vote.
Mr Reilly said after four years on Kiama council, he has learned many lessons.
At Saturday's Kiama council election Mr Reilly heads the Community Voice ticket which includes Jamberoo resident and lawyer Renata Matyear, Kiama's Kim Elder, Gerroa's Simon Mansfield and Bombo resident Mike Sarian.
"I makes no bones about my Labor Party affiliation," Mr Reilly said. "But my belief is that council is no place for party politics."
Mr Reilly said his voting record over the past four years was there for anyone to see.
"The last election was a close run thing, Warren [Steel] and I were both lucky to get on last time, and Sandra McCarthy had by far the majority of the vote.
"But Sandra and her candidates are no longer there. There is also a new Green team and I don't know if their profile is very high.
"I'm a much more known identity on local council than what I was . . . and we have a cohesive team."
Mr Reilly and his team have unveiled a plan to encourage large events to Kiama. If elected he would like to see council look into the feasibility of using Jerrara Dam as a potential venue for such events.
Kiama council is looking at decommissioning the 57-year-old dam, which was transferred into council ownership in 1975 when it was no longer needed as a water supply.
"The site would need to be suitable for large events such as concerts, shows, carnivals and festivals that would need to cater for up to 10,000 people per day," Mr Reilly said.
"To cover costs and provide economic benefits to the region, the site should be available for use throughout the year, with some events being annual and regional, such as the Illawarra Folk Festival, while others being irregular and national," Mr Reilly said.
"This project would provide employment opportunities for those living in the region, particularly youth."
