By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter

Many in Rexburg are still talking about their new mayor.  City Councilman, Richard Woodland, was elected by majority vote Wednesday to finish former Mayor Shawn Larsen's term.  The decision was made by the city council. 

Silence filled the room after the vote Wednesday night.  Two days removed from the drama there's a whole realm of opinion about what happened.

"I believe the change in Rexburg will serve the city well," said BYU-Idaho student, Shaun Martin.    

"I felt shocked, betrayed in a way," said Cammie Muir.     

Across town Friday morning it's Woodland's second day on the job.  As the new mayor is getting settled in an empty office, people in Rexburg are wondering who he is.    

"I don't know much about him," said Kirk Shirley.  "We don't know him," said Peggy Nelson.  "We've never heard the name."    

The city council looked through 13 applications but City Council President, Chris Mann, and Chamber of Commerce Director, Donna Benfield, were the popular pick. 

"I did end up going to the meet the candidate's night," said Heather Chester.  "I listened to everyone and felt Donna Benfield was the most qualified."    

"There was a lot of input for two of the candidates," said Muir.  "It's as if they weren't even considered."   

Woodland says he put his name on the candidate list after he was approached by several members of the council. 

While some feel he will serve the office well.  "I heard the members of the council get along with him really well.  I thought it was a good thing," Shirley said.    

Others are saying the decision had nothing to do with the will of the people.  "They took the opportunity to appoint a colleague versus what the people wanted," said Aros Mackey. 

To the skeptics Woodland says there's no reason to worry.  "We're going to take a common sense approach," he said.  "We don't have any fires to put out immediately.  I'm going to take some time to get to know the city leaders."    

Woodland and his family moved to Rexburg in 1985 after his wife took a job as a basketball coach with Rick's College.  The new mayor has worked in a variety of business and community service jobs.  He says his loves for Rexburg compelled him to run for city council two years ago. While in office, Woodland hopes to improve pedestrian safety and Rexburg's sewer system.