WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) -Wichita Falls city council members gathered today for the first meeting of the new year.

One change this year was the addition of a new face; Austin Cobb is the new at-large city councilor.

Surrounded by family and friends, whom Cobb credits as the driving force to his success, he took the oath of office, marking the official start of his political career after a long year of campaigning and a run-off election.

Cobb said he is excited to get started, and took the opportunity to remind the Wichita Falls community of what it is he stands for.

”I want the city to grow, I want it to grow in a responsible way. We need new industry, you know, try to help alleviate some of the tax burden on our residents. It’s too high. How do we do that? Growing commercial industry based. We’ve got a lot of things coming, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Cobb said.

Cobb said while it’s been a long journey, he owes much of his success to his family’s support.

”You can’t run for office if you don’t have the support of your family. First and foremost, having supported my wife Lauren, we’ve been together since high school. We’ve got two little kids that help knock on doors and do all the things with us. They were behind me 110%, and when you have your family behind you, you can do whatever you want," Cobb said.

As Cobb steps in, former At-Large City Councilor Bobby Whiteley steps down. Whiteley’s former colleagues would all share their final comments for his years of service.

”Thank you so much. I appreciate the friendships I’ve made. I look forward to the positive things that are going forth in this in our community. I appreciate the kind words from everybody, for everybody from up here, from everybody out there. Ron, thank you so much. I appreciate the job you’re doing and the kind words. Working hand in hand with the city and we’re doing good things and so everybody just put your seat belts on. Well, good things are coming," Whiteley said.

As Cobb sat in on the rest of the meeting, he acknowledged the big shoes he has to fill.

Cobb would go on to say he’s excited and ready to serve the people of Wichita Falls.