Ternette retires from city activism

A long-time Winnipeg activist has announced his retirement from City Hall rabble-rousing.

Nick Ternette has made hundreds of presentations at City Hall that have made politicians angry, smile and think.

Days after celebrating his 65^th birthday, Ternette said his farewell speech at City Hall Tuesday will be his last.

Ternette said he's been trying to change the minds of councillors for 40 years.

"I have been speaking to council since 1970," said Ternette. "Now it's 40 years that Ive been involved in civic politics. Its time to retire from a certain phase making speeches at City Hall, where they don't listen, and never have listened to you."

'Last of the red hot socialists. In front of city hall, with a bullhorn.' Nick Ternette

'Citizen Nick'

Ternette says he will continue to work with the peace movement, and now that both he and his wife are in wheelchairs, he wants to write about making Winnipeg a more accessible city.

Known by many in Winnipeg as Citizen Nick, Ternetteran for mayor of Winnipeg in 1977, again in 1986, 1989, 1995 and 2002.He also campaigned for the leadership ofthe provincialNDP in 1979.

Last year both Ternettes legs were amputated due to a massive infection.

"Last of the red hot socialists. In front of city hall, with a bullhorn," said Ternette.