By Robert Costa, USCM Intern
August 7, 2006

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson announced that he would not run for re-election in 2007. Anderson, who has been mayor since 2000 and will complete his second term next year, made the announcement July 28 at the Salt Lake City Library, surrounded by supporters and staff members.

Anderson held his office while being led by three principles: open and accountable government, value in diversity and inclusiveness, and planning for the future. Anderson has been on the forefront of the environmental movement, and probably will be best remembered for his work to make the city environmentally friendly. He traveled across the world to promote ecological citizenry, and hosted summits educating citizens and elected officials about the importance of clean environments. He won awards from environmental organizations and received praise from local wildlife ecologists and biology experts. Most recently, the mayor led discussions at the National Leadership Summit on Energy and Climate Change which was held in Racine (WI) and hosted by the Global Energy Center.

As an active member of the Conference of Mayors, Anderson introduced several resolutions during the 2006 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas that eventually passed, and in July of last year hosted the Sundance Summit, a gathering of mayors to discuss global climate change with Robert Redford. At the National Summit on Energy and the Environment, hosted by the Conference in Chicago, Anderson gave a well-received presentation on the causes and effects of climate change, as well as solutions to the problem.

In his final 17 months as mayor, Anderson plans to work with leaders in the Mormon Church to renovate the city’s historic Pioneer Park, which is a hangout for drug dealers and the homeless, and building a new performing arts center with a Broadway theater in the city.

Anderson’s announcement leaves the race for Salt Lake City mayor wide open. The election will take place in November 2007.