The deputy mayor is running for his third term on Wagga City Council as the lead candidate in the Community First ticket.

The 59-year-old finance manager previously served as a councillor in the Gundagai Shire for 12 years and is currently in his ninth year representing the Wagga community.

Cr Tout said his focus if elected would be carefully managing the growth of the Wagga region while also protecting the current heart and feel of the city.

"The growth in the city has been so amazing and we need to keep that up, keep the infrastructure up and keep the forward planning up," he said.

"But the negative side to that growth is we also have to catch up on all of the infrastructure and things that weren't put in place when the city was growing 10 or 15 years ago so that will all take some careful managing.

"The other is just continuing what the city does best. This place is amazing in the multicultural and social area. It's the tapestry of the city and I love it.

"Wagga has the facilities and the size of a city but the heart of a town and that's something I'd be looking to make sure continues."

Cr Tout felt he was well-placed to take on another term given his experience and connections across the community.

"At this stage after this many years I think I bring a lot of experience to the role," he said.

"I have knowledge and carry over knowledge on what's happening in the area and what the current projects look like but also what biggest issues the community wants to see addressed are.

"But even more important than that is I still have continuous community involvement and the ability to be passionate about this region.

"I have always said the biggest thing with local government is passion to serve your community and I still have that passion. I wouldn't be standing again if I didn't."

Cr Tout has served as Wagga City Council deputy mayor since 2014 and said he will be looking to fill the soon-to-be-vacant position of mayor.

"If I am successful in getting re-elected I will be putting my hand up to be mayor," he said.

"I have spent 21 years in local government now and I love it because it is the ultimate community service.

"You're able to serve the public, advocate for them, communicate with them and find out what the issues are.

"The critical thing for me has always been to not just serve the community but to remember I am a community member as well."

Cr Tout was proud to say he was not affiliated with any political party and was firm on his belief the parties should not be involved in council.

In the lead up to this year's election, The Daily Advertiser has profiled the candidates looking to secure a spot on Wagga City Council.

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