Adam Giambrone’s campaign to become mayor has gotten off to a rocky start as a very personal problem has become public knowledge.
The 32-year-old TTC Chair has apologized for what he calls an "inappropriate relationship" with a young woman; a connection he claims consisted of text messages and public conversations.
The aforementioned young woman, Kristen Lucas, 20, (pictured below) told a very different story to the Toronto Star. The university student claims the relationship, which lasted about a year, was sexual. She told the paper she and Giambrone had a late-night roll in the hay on a couch in his City Hall office.
Lucas also claims Giambrone divulged inside information, including the confidential scoop about the TTC fare hike months before the public heard about the idea.
"If that's the case then perhaps he should consider stepping aside until that is cleared up," advised another mayoral candidate, Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti.
The affair occurred while Giambrone was committed to his longtime live-in partner Sarah McQuarrie. According to alleged text messages between Giambrone and Lucas published in The Star, Giambrone said the relationship with McQuarrie was strictly political and not romantic. Lucas claims Giambrone didn't tell her he was in a relationship when they became involved.
According to the report, the relationship with Lucas ended early last month.
Giambrone reportedly plans to continue his mayoral campaign.
"For anybody to jump to conclusions would be a terrible mistake," added Coun. Joe Pantalone, who is also running for mayor.
Giambrone couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday, but his campaign manager, John Lashinger, issued the following statement:
"We are proud of what Adam did. When he makes a mistake, to acknowledge it and take responsibility for it. He did that."