"I think it reflects a real cynicism among people who think elected officials are only embracing issues because it might further their own personal career," he said. "It's the other way around with me: I'm passionate about these issues, and that's why I sought elective office in the first place."

But he has no plans to run for elected office, in Utah or elsewhere. He has too much that he wants to accomplish, he said, "and I don't think spending another year of my life campaigning, raising money is the way to do that."

He said he's not sure whether he will have any future role in the Sundance Summit, a gathering of mayors from across the nation that he has co-hosted the past two years with Robert Redford, on local ways to combat climate change.

But Anderson vowed he "will always be very active in opposing this incredibly destructive, outrageous war." He criticized both major political parties for failing to end the war.

As to whether Salt Lakers and Utahns will continue to see him involved in local issues, Anderson said that depends on where the future takes him.

"I love this city," he said. "As before I was mayor, I expect that if I'm living here, I'll take a very active role."

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com