If his website and this morning’s email are any indication, the lingering question of "Will he or won’t he?" seems to be answered by Steve Francis. (Of course, the GOP is in a bit of a panty-twist over the prospects of a Republican taking on a sitting GOP incumbent like Jerry Sanders.)
The following email message, including links to an endorsement form and bio, sure looks like a campaign to me….
I am writing to you to seek your early endorsement in the race for Mayor of San Diego. I recently formed the Francis For Mayor Exploratory Committee to meet with my fellow San Diegans to hear their views about what they need and want in local government, regardless of their political affiliation. I’ve met with Democrats who think City Hall has become a haven for partisan policy making. Some Republicans worry that the current administration has lost its way, while Independents feel their voice has been silenced by the lobbyists who seem to control everything. Most have voiced concerns about the influence of special interest groups in our local government. Although I have not formally announced my candidacy, your early endorsement will help me gauge the level of support for change in San Diego. In order to accept the challenge to run as your candidate for Mayor, I need to know that I will not be standing alone in our effort to make our City great again.
Over the last few months I’ve also listened to other constituents including town council members, union leaders, business leaders, environmentalists, community associations, business improvement districts and first responders who put their lives on the line for each of us in the course of their job duties. One concern that has been raised frequently is the effect that our City’s fiscal crisis will have far into our future. I have always believed that restoring our City to fiscal health must be the top priority for local government. It is clear that we can, and must, do better. Also, we need a mayor who can provide hope and optimism about our future and share a vision for San Diego.
Unfortunately, not much has changed since the 2005 special election for Mayor. San Diego continues to be greatly challenged with ethical lapses. Severe city budget deficits, massive under-funded pension and healthcare liabilities, water shortages, denied credit ratings by Wall Street, understaffing of police and fire fighters, our crumbling infrastructure and the perception that special interests are powerful enough to receive deals and favors have cast a shadow on San Diego’s image as America’s Finest City. Our city has been further hindered by high turnover of the Mayor’s appointed staff, as well as the administration’s failure to implement competitive bidding, which San Diego voters overwhelmingly approved more than a year ago. A great city such as ours deserves competent and visionary leaders who make us proud.
We are all San Diegans and each of us needs to answer the challenges before us, united by our purpose and regardless of our ideology or station in life. As you can see from my biography, for many years I have worked with our region’s charitable and non-profit organizations to make a difference for San Diegans. Last month’s wildfires served as a reminder that regardless of our size, we are one community. Serving hot food to evacuees at Qualcomm, along with my fellow volunteers from Father Joe’s Villages, and visiting with and listening to the fire victims of Rancho Bernardo further reinforced my desire to help my fellow San Diegans.
I remain committed to positive change for San Diego. I have no doubt that San Diego’s best days are ahead, but the path to restoring its greatness will require a level of commitment and focus not seen in this town before. The opportunity to fight for change at City Hall rests with each one of us, with you and your neighbors. I’m prepared to lead that movement for change with your help. Together, we can make San Diego great again. I’m ready to lead and make the tough decisions to get the job done once and for all, but I need your endorsement. Please give me your endorsement by logging on to my website at www.steveformayor.com and signing up today.
Your voice is important and I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to call me at (858) 320-7500 or email me at steve@steveformayor.com.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to hearing from you.
Steve Francis