SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - After one term on city council, councillor Kevin Kennedy says he will not run for re-election in favour of a sabbatical to travel overseas with his wife.

City councillor Kevin Kennedy, with his trusty bicycle outside city hall, says he will not run for re-election in October.

He said his experience as a councillor has been "very, very rewarding," but it is time to take a break and give another Yellowknifer a chance to contribute to the city – and he has some advice to those considering a council post.

"What's really important for people who run for council is not that you're an expert on anything – because that's not your job – your job is to look at other people's point of view, and appreciate and compromise with others," he said.

He also hopes to see more diversity in council next time around.

"I think it's a real shame that we don't have a more balanced council," he said., referring to its mainly male membership.

Kennedy said he was originally compelled to run because he wanted to push for a sustainable city, but it was a reluctant choice.

"I didn't really want to run," he said. "I wanted to find someone else that was willing to, but I couldn't, so I ran."

"I felt that I was working very hard to improve my own lifestyle and make it more sustainable, and the next step seemed to be … maybe I should try to contribute something at a community level."

He said the "incredible" value for money Yellowknifers receive from their municipal tax dollars compared to the territorial and federal governments – both of which he has worked for – surprised him and left a big impression.

But he said he does not simply want to be remembered as an environmental advocate on council, adding there are a raft of ideas which all add up to building a first-rate city.

"All of those things are interconnected – trying to make a better place for people to live and work and go to school – all of those things contribute to the long-term viability of our city," he said.

Despite saying he has not been put off politics, the home-based computer consultant said adjusting to life as a public figure was sometimes trying.

Citing environmental concerns over carbon-spewing jet planes, he faced both praise and ridicule for eschewing air travel in favour of busing it to conferences out of the territory on council business; one was a three-week trip to Quebec City.

"It's not easy, I will grant. There are times when it's been very difficult … Appearing in cartoons in Yellowknifer for example," he said.

However, he was philosophical about scrutiny from the media and the public.

"Occasionally I've felt picked on, but not really," he said. "I think it comes with the territory. I did find it very difficult though."

He said most people in politics are there because they want to make a difference.

"The public and even the media need to understand that people who run for council, some might crave power, but I don't think that's true for most people. Most people who run for city council do it because they really care about their community," he said.

Of the other seven councillors, all have confirmed they will be seeking re-election except Shelagh Montgomery, who could not be reached for comment, and Lydia Bardak. Bardak said she would love to run again, but has yet to decide due to an uncertain work schedule on the horizon.

"I would really like to, and I will probably know in a little while because I've got a lot of projects on the go in my day job," she said.

Last week, Mark Heyck and Bob Brooks said they would begin to consider their election strategies closer to nomination time, which began Monday. Coun. David Wind said he is seeking re-election as well.

"You'll be pleased to know I've ordered my signs," said Wind, who went on to say he will be continuing his push for frugal fiscal policies.

Coun. Paul Falvo will be looking to promote "responsible development" in the city, while 10-year council veteran David McCann said he will continue to seek a more efficient and productive city council.

As of Tuesday, only Wind and three-term mayor Gord Van Tighem had filed nomination papers.

Nominations for mayor, council and school trustees close Sept. 14. The election takes place Oct. 19.