Inuvik (Sep 11/06) - Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson will not seek re-election or another political post after his second term as mayor ends Nov. 6.

Clarkson, who announced his retirement from municipal politics last week, said he plans to remain in Inuvik but will not pursue a higher office.

Mayor Peter Clarkson has announced he will not seek another term in office, while Jeff Otto, below, has announced he will be running for mayor.

"I don't have any big political aspirations," Clarkson told News/North, dispelling rum-ours he would run as a candidate in the next federal election. The outgoing mayor did note he was approached to run in the last federal election, however declined the invitation citing his commitments as mayor.

"And I've got a young family and don't want to be away from them for four to seven months a year," he said of the time commitment a career in federal politics would entail.

Speaking on his past six years at the helm of Inuvik, Clarkson said he was proud of his accomplishments, but felt it was time to retire.

"I decided six years was a good run. It's time to pass the torch," he said.

Before becoming mayor in October 2000, he served two years as Inuvik's deputy mayor. Prior to that, Clarkson was a field biologist based in Inuvik, studying the behaviour of bears and wolves. When asked about his favourite achievements in office, Clarkson mentioned the Inuvik Family Centre, which was planned and completed within his term.

He also mentioned improvements to roads and to the town's waste management program, which he said "cleaned up" Inuvik and made it more attractive to tourists. As a resident of Inuvik for more than 20 years, Clarkson said the town looks better now than when he arrived.

While he said his plans for the future were uncertain, Clarkson said there are a few pet projects he wants to push forward before his term ends.

One example is a full-service kitchen at the Midnight Sun recreation complex, which is currently being planned. Clarkson said he also looked forward to discussing energy conservation in Inuvik, since the price of natural gas has recently increased.

"It's going to affect our budget," he said.

With elections coming up Oct. 16, only one person had filed nomination papers, by late last week. Deadline is Sept. 11.

It is Jeff Otto, a small business owner and animal control officer in Inuvik. While he has some projects to suggest - such as a ladder truck for the fire department and an increased call fee for firefighters - he is by no means Clarkson's opponent.

Deputy Mayor Arlene Hansen has also said she's interested in the job.

"I think my past experience as deputy mayor would serve the community well," she said.

Hansen also added she had nothing but respect for Clarkson, with whom she has served for the past eight years.