PubliCola has learned that Jeff Reading, Mayor Ed Murray's communications director and longtime ally (he was Murray's spokesperson in the state senate), is leaving the mayor's office just a year into the gig. 

Reading has been a Murray confidante and stalwart for years. Reading was the senate Democrats communications guy under former state senate majority leader Sen. Lisa Brown (D-3, Spokane), but left for a stint at Microsoft—and then returned to the Democrasts when then state Sen. Murray took over from Brown. 

Reading, who resigned today, is taking a job with consulting firm Strategies 360. 

Murray chief of staff Chris Gregorich tells PubliCola that Reading (he really said this) "wants to spend more time with his family" and doesn't want to have to answer his cell phone 24-7.

Reading was a central subject in the race discrimination complaint filed by former Murray spokeswoman Roz Brazel who was moved out of the mayor's office after two big press release gaffes. Brazel, who is African American, claims she was discriminated against and that Reading, her boss, was partly to blame for the press release gaffes.

Gregorich says Reading's resignation has nothing to do with that case.

Reading's last day will be December 12. 

Team Murray had some initial trouble getting its footing staff wise, but after hiring Gregorich and former Downtown Seattle Association head Kate Joncas as deputy mayor—coupled with a few big political wins (minimum wage, preschool and parks funding)—the administration seemed to have found its footing. However, Reading was a key component of the Murray staff and this shakeup raises legitimate questions about how effective they will be moving forward. And frankly, about the working environment at his office to date.

UPDATE:

Here is the email that Reading sent to Murray staff this morning.

Good morning,

 While we’ve had a helluva year of accomplishments in the Mayor’s Office since January,  I wanted to let you know that I’ve made the very hard decision to move on.

We frequently hear about how this is the most activist year of any Seattle mayor in living memory, and when you look at the success the Mayor has had in implementing his agenda, it’s hard to disagree: passing the $15/hr minimum wage ordinance, securing sustainable parks funding, appointing a great chief of police and making significant progress on police reform, brokering a deal to allow rideshare companies to thrive, increasing transit service in the city, creating a cabinet-level department of education, establishing the Seattle Preschool Program…to name just a few big wins.

The public has responded with strong support, including decisive approval of three ballot measures and the highest mayoral approval ratings in decades. Mayor Murray is definitely on a roll, and it’s been a great honor to have been a small part of it all. None of it would be possible, of course, without all of your hard work, talent and dedication. I will miss working with you all very much in this role, and hope that our paths cross in my new one.

I am very pleased to report that I am moving over to Strategies 360, effective Dec.15, as Vice President of Communications. My last day in the Mayor’s Office will be Dec. 12, and will remain hard at work in my current role in the meantime.

 Best,

Jeff