By Michelle Costa, Local News 8 Reporter
POCATELLO - In the coming months, there will be big changes in Pocatello with a brand new Mayor and City Councilman.
On Wednesday, the Mayor-elect, Brian Blad, still seems shocked to beat out incumbent Roger Chase by only 400 votes.
He was called the underdog, but now, Brian Blad is taking down campaign signs and getting ready to take on a new job: Pocatello's Mayor.
"It's just been a whirlwind right now. It's just been exciting. We just look forward to doing what we can and working for the people of Pocatello," said Brian Blad, Mayor-Elect, Pocatello.
When the Mayor-elect takes office, he wants to tackle big issues like taxes all with a fresh perspective.
"It's going to be a great opportunity. We need new eyes looking at the same problems and maybe we will get different solutions," said Blad.
One of Brian Blad's big platforms is helping small businesses and K & B Kwik Stop is hoping to cash in on that.
"I always felt the City was always after the big chain stores to come into Pocatello and it's us little businesses that are really the backbone of this community and they're a second thought," said Jim Kraning, K&B Kwik Stop.
Even though voter turnout was low, many locals found the Mayor results surprising.
"I think it's fantastic. I think that everybody was ready for a change," said Ron Andersen, Pocatello Voter.
"I was hoping that Brian would actually get in because of all of the things that are nuts with the vicious dog ordinances and we've been wanting to try and get those changed," said Christian Scheinost, Ready for change.
''I was shocked because I think that the Mayor has done a good job," said Lois Gross, Shocked by elections.
For Blad, he's ready to walk into politics and walk our City into the future.
Blad sounded overwhelmed with meeting everyone and said he's already had more calls in one day then he's had in a decade.
He officially takes office January 1st. Until then, he's figuring out where to start.
We tried to speak with Mayor Roger Chase, but he couldn't be reached for comment.
