[6] During the election campaign, he garnered some press across Ontario for his purported physical resemblance to controversial Toronto mayor Rob Ford.
[8][9] He was the party's critic for transportation issues,[10] and had identified the continued freeway conversion of Highway 69, a project which had faced significant delays in recent years, as one of his key priorities.
[10] On November 20, 2014, five months after his election, Cimino announced his resignation from the legislature citing the strain of being an MPP on his personal health as well as on his family.
In a press release, Cimino stated: "I have been asked several times in the past how I was able to balance my public obligations as a city councillor with my family life....Even though it was difficult to do, I was able to be there for my young children, wife and extended family while still serving my community with complete dedication.
"[11][12] Following his resignation, he faced some controversy when it was revealed that he qualified for a $58,000 severance package, representing six months of an MPP's annual salary, but he announced that he would not accept the payout.