Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Jun 17/98) - It's time to call it quits.

So says Keewatin Central MLA John Todd, who has been representing the region for nearly eight years.

At 51, Todd says he's mellowing out and would like to move on to other things.

He said last week that he will not be running in Nunavut's first election next February, but won't confirm widespread belief he's vying for a political spot in Yellowknife, where he spent a good deal of the last three years and where he has private business interests.

"I've done my bit," he said. "I just want to move along. Believe it or not, I want to get out of the limelight."

Careful not to give a definite answer about his political aspirations in the West, Todd said he is leaving his options open. He said he has thought of writing a book about the North and the people he's met along the way, but refuses to comment further on his plans.

"I don't know what I will do," he said. "This is the first time in my life, at 51, I don't know what to do."

Todd cited personal reasons for his decision not to run again in the Keewatin, particularly the death of his eldest son, Ian, last December.

"Some of it's very personal -- like I lost my kid," he said. "I need to spend more time with my family, especially my boys."

But before he finishes his term, Todd said he would like to finalize some projects like the Rankin Inlet health facility. He would like to be remembered for doing good things for the region. He admitted he hasn't spent much time in the communities over the last several months, but maintained he has been busy ensuring that the region gets its fair share of division money.

"We've got to make sure Rankin doesn't get short-changed by division," he said.

Reflecting on more than 30 years in the North and much of that spent in the Keewatin, Todd stressed he still has strong ties with the area.

"I've got too much history in Rankin Inlet (to leave for good)," he said.

With Todd's political days in the Keewatin limited to the eight months remaining before the next election, he said he has much to focus on, particularly his role as territorial finance minister. But after the February election, he said there are no plans.

A self-proclaimed publicity junkie, Todd said he will miss the public attention and press he got as member for Keewatin Central.

"Kids in the street say, 'Hi, John Todd, I saw you on TV last night' -- it feels good you know," he said with a smile.

"The attention is addictive. Someone once said politics is easy to get into, (but) the tough job is getting out."