A rookie NDP MPP who quit after just five months on the job will not take the money and run.

Under fire from the Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and even his fellow New Democrats, former Sudbury member Joe Cimino announced he would not accept the $58,000 severance package.

“For the information of the public, I was unaware that I would be eligible for any severance upon my resignation as MPP until after I resigned in writing and was notified by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario of the entitlement,” he said in a statement Thursday to his hometown Sudbury Star.

Cimino, who has not returned repeated calls from the Toronto Star since suddenly resigning Nov. 20 for unspecified personal reasons, continued that “as such, I did not plan on the funds when making the very difficult decision that I did.”

“Therefore, I have notified human resources with the Legislative Assembly of Ontario that I have no intention of accepting the severance allowance that was afforded me,” he said a payout that is six months of an MPP’s annual $116,500 salary.

However, Cimino’s departure so soon after the June 12 election will still cost taxpayers up to $500,000 for a byelection that Premier Kathleen Wynne must call on or before May 20.

His decision not to cash out came the day after Government House Leader Yasir Naqvi said there would be an all-party review by the legislature’s board of internal economy, which oversees MPPs’ compensation.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath on Friday praised her former colleague for not accepting the money.

“I’m pleased to hear that Joe did the right thing and decided not to take the severance package,” said Horwath, whose party is worried Cimino’s snap exit could lose the Sudbury seat it picked up from the Liberals.

“We respect his need to put his family and his health first. I look forward to seeing any legislation the government brings forward to review the rules around severances for MPPs,” she said in a statement.

Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid noted severance is designed to help former members transition from elected office after defeat or retirement, so Cimino’s situation was highly unusual.

“In this unique circumstance . . . I would commend him for doing the right thing,” said Duguid.

“If I was a member of the public and I read about this I would think . . . it would be challenging to suggest that that type of severance was appropriate,” he said.

Progressive Conservative MPP Bill Walker agreed.

“I don’t know Joe’s particular circumstances . . . but the people that elect us expect fair value for fair work. I do personally applaud Joe that he has done what he feels is right in his heart,” said Walker.

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“I wish him all the best. It’s a circumstance we don’t want to see any of our colleagues go through.”

Cimino, a 45-year-old former elementary school teacher and one-time Sudbury councilor, has pleaded for his privacy, citing “my personal health and wellness and, more importantly, the well-being of my family.”

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