assistant official; deputy mayor
Historically a common title for a deputy or assistant in local government, especially a deputy mayor under the old system. In modern contexts, the term 副市町村長 is more common, but 助役 may still appear in historical or formal references.
He was appointed as the assistant official of the town.
In old local governments, the deputy mayor played an important role.
He served as the town's deputy mayor for ten years.
The person appointed as the new deputy mayor was a former teacher.