 He played a significant role in preserving Stratford's independence when amalgamation with either the New Plymouth District Council or the South Taranaki District Council was a distinct possibility.Walter was duly elected as the first mayor of Stratford District Council, a position he held for three terms (nine years) until retiring in 1998.After 15 years at the helm of local government and 24 years on County and District Councils, Walter moved on from territorial politics to become a Taranaki Regional Councillor.