He served on the council for the United Townships of Usborne and Stephen, also serving as reeve for Stephen in 1867 and as the first reeve for Exeter in 1873. Carling was defeated by Robert Gibbons in the provincial general election of 1867, but he was declared elected in 1868 after an appeal. In 1871, Carling was defeated by Gibbons for the same seat.
He served on the council for the United Townships of Usborne and Stephen, also serving as reeve for Stephen in 1867 and as the first reeve for Exeter in 1873. Carling was defeated by Robert Gibbons in the provincial general election of 1867, but he was declared elected in 1868 after an appeal. In 1871, Carling was defeated by Gibbons for the same seat.