Zampino quits Montreal city politics

Frank Zampino is leaving Montreal city hall after more than two decades in municipal politics and several years as Mayor Grald Tremblay's right-hand man.

The president of Montreal's executive committee announced his decision to quit politics Tuesday, citing personal reasons and his desire to launch a career in the private sector.

"My intentions are to take a step back, and spend the next few months to consider the opportunities that could emerge in the private sector," Zampino told reporters at a news conference at city hall.

Zampino is also resigning as city councillor and mayor of the Saint-Leonard borough.

Tremblay praised his colleague's career in politics and said he understood his decision even though it came as a surprise.

Politics is a "demanding life, as much professionally as personally," he said, noting Zampino's "exceptional skills."

Zampino pledged to help Tremblay find a suitable replacement.

Zampino entered municipal politics in 1986, winning a municipal councillor seat before being elected mayor of the former city of Saint-Lonard in 1990.

He was also president of the Montreal Urban Community Transit Corp. (STCUM) for several years.

After Quebec's provincewide municipal mergers, Zampino was elected borough mayor in Saint-Lonard.

He has served as president of Montreal's executive committee since 2002.

Opposition leaders at city hall thanked Zampino for his dedication.

"I can only salute the extraordinary contribution made by Mr. Zampino, who has passed the last 22 years serving citizens in Saint-Lonard, and then all Montrealers," Richard Bergeron, Projet Montral leader, said in a statement.

But his departure raises questions, Bergeron said.

"Mr. Zampino, as part of his responsibilities, was at the heart of several hot-button dossiers that have raised concerns among citizens, suchas the Viger station and the Griffintown development. Is there a cause and effect?" he asked.

Zampino is retiringmidway through his term as borough mayor and municipal counsellor.