Returning to my life after politics a few weeks ago, I walked my daughter to school and then took my two dogs to the dog park. This was a new routine for me.

I have to admit that it was difficult to break into a new group of park goers, a different one than the one I was used to. While the group chatted away, I saw a familiar face also standing at a distance from the group.

I walked over. “Hi Tim,” I said. “How are you doing?” It was Tim Hudak (former leader of the Ontario PC Party). He was also walking his dog and also unfamiliar with the group.

“I’m good,” he replied. “Nice to be able to walk the dogs at 9:30 in the morning, isn’t it,” I added. We chatted for a while longer about the neighbourhood, politics and life in general. “I’ve heard that there is life after politics,” I told him. “I guess this is it.”

“I would rather be premier,” he said with a chuckle. “Yeah, I would rather be mayor,” I agreed. “But here we are.”

One of the questions that I am regularly asked is whether I am indeed finished with politics.

At this point in my life, especially after the last four years, I have learned not to rule anything out, and that is why I usually respond, “Never say never.” But that being said, it is extremely unlikely that I will ever run for another political office.

There is nothing quite like being an elected official. Think about it: your job is to help make life better for a community. For that reason, and because the responsibility is so great, I do not believe that politics should be a long-term career. Before embarking on the next chapter, though, I want to clear something up about the life at city hall that I am leaving behind.

Recently, I started speaking with a nice couple about city hall. With outstretched arms, the gentleman asked, “Why do you councillors fight all the time?! Why can’t you just work together?!”

I think many Torontonians share his exasperation.

Fireworks seem to garner the most media coverage, but there is a lot more to the story. The reality is I have spent most of my time on council collaborating with my colleagues, not fighting. Even councillors with radically different views find ways to work together both in public and behind closed doors.

There is life after politics, though. I am certain of it.

I am ready to move onto the next challenge, including this monthly column in Post City Magazines where I will continue to work toward improving our neighbourhoods. Karen Stintz was first elected in 2003 and is the former chair of the TTC. She lives in Ward 16 with her husband and two kids.