George Smitherman's campaign manager abruptly resigned Friday night, just as the race for the mayor's chair has started picking up steam.
Jeff Bangs tendered his resignation just hours ago, citing family reasons said spokesperson Stefan Baranski, offering no further reasons for the depature.
Mr. Smitherman, the former health minister and front-runner for mayor, issued this statement:
"I want to thank Jeff Bangs for his incredible contribution to my campaign - specifically his efforts at pulling together a highly talented, professional and multi-partisan team who all share in my love of our city. All of us in public life understand what a drain on one's personal life a campaign can be. This one has already been as long as three provincial election campaigns."
"I understand and support Jeff's desire to focus on spending more time with his young family and business. As a new father myself, I fully respect his decision. A new campaign manager will be named shortly. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to advance a positive vision for a city that can - and will - work again."
Mr. Bangs is a well-known Conservative who has spent 17 years working in government. He served as principal secretary to the Premier Ernie Eves and spearheaded John Tory's campaign for leadership in 2004. He was also a prominent figure in the Mike Harris government.
He's also been Chief of Staff to Ministers at the Ministry of Natural Resources; the Ministry of Northern Development & Mines; the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing; and the Ministry of Education.
As the father of two young children, Mr. Bangs continues his work as partner of the Pathway Group, a firm hired by government to do communications work.
His profile on the Pathway Group website says he's an avid angler and outdoorsman with many volunteer affiliations such as the VON Canada Foundation.