This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

It seems Rocky Anderson has decided to think globally, and act, well, globally.

In announcing unexpectedly he will not seek re-election to a third term as mayor of Salt Lake City, Anderson surprised no one by saying he wants to spend his time campaigning for his pet projects: human rights and the environment. And his travels in recent years indicate he will be fighting for those causes mostly in places far from City Hall.

Those people who have found Anderson to be abrasive, arrogant and difficult - and there are many - might be happy about that. We are among others who admire his principled stands on issues and his dedication to making positive changes and who are betting Anderson will make a difference outside Salt Lake City, too.

He is a man who loudly makes his opinion heard, in front of any audience. He is steadfast, some might say single-minded, when it comes to wanting a cleaner, greener, healthier environment, and he backs up what he says with action, creating a more fuel-efficient city fleet and implementing wind power, expanding recycling, encouraging high-density housing and requiring conservation in new city buildings.

He has been an advocate for gay marriage, extending city benefits to partners of city employees, and he has fought for diversity in the city, friendlier liquor laws and better understanding between Mormons and non-Mormons. He brokered a practical deal with the LDS Church to end the divisive Main Street Plaza fight.

It's safe to generalize that journalists, at least, are sad to see him go. Anderson's tumultuous two terms have kept reporters busy. Take the turnover in his administration, for example. The list of Anderson's accomplishments in office is long, but almost as long is the list of spokespeople he has hired - nine.

In telling things as he sees them, Anderson has made enemies, alienated Republicans in the Legislature and some fellow Democrats, sometimes to his city's detriment, even when he's right. Davis County residents, particularly, were annoyed by his justified opposition to the Legacy Highway and their driving habits.

He will be remembered fondly and with derision, but one thing is certain: Mayor Rocky Anderson will not be duplicated.