 In 1917 Adams with the help of City Solicitor, and future Chief Justice of the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Alberta Clinton J. Ford would work together successfully to bring single transferable vote to Calgary's municipal elections.Adams would show preliminary interest in contesting the position of Mayor in the 1918 Calgary municipal election, however he would drop out after learning Michael Copps Costello, a local doctor and Protestant would also run, fearing he would split the Protestant vote with Costello.Adams would run for Mayor of Calgary in the 1920 Calgary municipal election, against his only challenger, and fellow alderman Isaac G. Ruttle.