Adam Giambrone announced that he will no longer be running for mayor of Toronto at a press conference Feb. 10/2010.Kevin Van Paassen
Toronto mayoral candidate Adam Giambrone made his first public statement today after revelations of a sex scandal. In a brief statement, Mr. Giambrone apologized for his actions. His assistant later told the media that Mr. Giambrone would not continue with his bid to become mayor of Toronto.
Mr. Giambrone, a 32-year-old city councillor, admitted Tuesday night that he had cheated on his long-time, live-in partner in multiple intimate relationships. He also acknowledged that he had initially lied when he said his affair with an aspiring model was limited to text messages and meetings in public places.
Mayor David Miller, who has counted Mr. Giambrone as one of his staunchest supporters on council, said the TTC chair's decision to leave the mayoral race is "regrettable."
"His voice and the vision he could have brought to this important campaign will be missed," the mayor said in a statement from Ottawa, "but his decision to focus on his private life and his current duties is understandable."
To read our earlier online discussion, please click on the grey replay button below. Marcus Gee, The Globe's City Hall columnist, joined us for part of the chat to discuss Mr. Giambrone's future in politics.
Here is the full text of Mr. Giambrone's statement:
There are weeks that change your life, and this one has dramatically changed mine. This searing experience has taught me, I hope permanently, that a public career of integrity cannot survive deceit in your private life.
My mistakes have caused hurt to my partner Sarah, to my family, my friends and supporters. To them - and to the women I treated disrespectfully - in front of you, I humbly apologize.
I want to apologize as a councillor, to my fellow councillors, for the negative attention I have brought upon them and to this chamber.
I want to apologize also to the communities across this city and to the young people who believed in me. It is my sincere hope that they continue to believe in themselves and their own abilities to make positive change.
Finally, I deeply apologize to my partner Sarah. The pain she endured for my mistakes was deeply unfair to her. She has shown a lot of strength in all of this. Thank you.
A statement provided by Mr. Giambrone's office continued, although Mr. Giambrone did not deliver the words himself at a news conference. The rest of the statement read:
I said at the beginning of this campaign that I would listen and lead. I know I will hear from many in the city, and I will reflect on their counsel with care.
I will spend the next few days in private. My mayoralty campaign ends today. Beginning next week I will return to my normal duties as a councillor.
I will focus with renewed energy on the transformation of the TTC and on building Transit City for the people of Toronto.
Thank you to all my friends and supporters who helped us through these painful days.
Below is Adam Giambrone's video released ahead of his announcement that he intended to run for mayor of Toronto: