The Albury-Wodonga Community College chief executive last November completed his second term as mayor which began in 2013.

Cr Wangman was also mayor from 2006 to 2008, after being elected to council in 2005.

“At the moment I feel that Wodonga is going really well and I think the things that I originally came on to council for have been advanced,” Cr Wangman said when asked why he had decided to leave.

He cited the freeway bypass and railway removal as the most significant changes to Wodonga in his time as a councillor but said naming of parks and fostering neighbourhood power were the most touching.

“When you go around Australia you see a lot of parks but you don’t see a 50-word description of who the park is named after – it’s putting history into the community,” Cr Wangman said.

He declined to discuss ongoing issues such as Wodonga’s rates, but he lauded the Logic industrial estate.

“I know the benefits of what Logic will bring this city,” Cr Wangman said.

“Those four pillars down there have 500 hectares of land which will be sold to generate income back to the community and future councils will decide what that goes on, but better than that it, offers 4000 different employment opportunities for our children and our children’s children.”

Cr Wangman, who oversaw the contentious move of the saleyards from Bandiana to Barnawartha North, said he had been “disappointed on debate that’s become very emotive” and “that occurs when there is a lack of information”.

“The challenge for a council is to have empathy with concerns, listen carefully to what’s being said, but understand the big picture and make the right decision for the whole community,” he said.

”People will have their own opinions on whether I’ve been a good councillor or a good mayor but I hope people think at least I’ve made a contribution.”