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The question of the interaction of time in the political process and time in policy making is approached here through the study of two locally elected representatives and their relationship to time. The comparative study of the lengthy careers of H. C. and J.M. allows us to analyze to what extent the uncertainty of electoral results contributes to shaping the representations, strategies and roles as well as the day-to-day practices of these two representatives. In this way we observe the impact of time on the definition of certain central issues of local politics and policy. We study, on the one hand, the manner in which the mobilization of resources for public action is employed to consolidate the legitimacy of the two officials, notably through the mobilization of networks of relationships with administrators. In addition, we study the place and the role of the two representatives in the emergence of economic policy carried out by the Communauté Urbaine, the political unit bringing together Lyons and surrounding suburban towns, at the end of the 1990s.