David Miller will not be seeking re-election as the mayor of Toronto. He'd previously declared that he was aiming for a third term beginning in 2010, but today he announced that he's changed his mind.

Media (and Miller's campaign team) in the room applauded as Miller was introduced and approached the mic to make the major announcement, flanked by his wife Jill and children Julia and Simon.

Citing personal reasons including wanting to be more dedicated to his family, and what would amount to be an intense re-election campaign, Miller told the media that he feels that he's achieved and kick-started most of the goals he'd set out at the beginning of his role as mayor.

Nearing the end of his speech, as he expressed his adoration for Toronto by calling it "Safe, strong, clean, and green," his emotion became evident as his voice quivered.

As for the remaining 14 months of his current term? "I will not let Torontonians down," Miller promised.

He closed his 15-minute announcement by insisting that "[Toronto's] best days are to come."

How do you feel about Mayor Miller's sudden bowing out?

Photo:danepstein.