Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis?s chief of staff announced he is stepping down just two weeks before Election Day.

John Diblasi says he is not stepping down because of the ongoing federal investigation into Mount Vernon City Hall. Concern for family and financial security fueled his decision, he says.

?After the primary, I told the mayor I would be leaving and looking for another position,? Diblasi says.

Some speculate about the timing of the resignation because of the turmoil city hall is facing. FBI agents carried boxes of documents out of city hall this month after issuing subpoenas partly related to the city ?s troubled urban renewal agency.

Diblasi?s official resignation goes into effect Friday. At the end of October, Diblasi will take up the position of Westchester Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner.

Mayor Davis told News 12 Westchester Diblasi was a bright spot in his administration. Davis says he was sad to see him go, but understands his reasons for leaving.