Tom Fudge: This year's race for San Diego Mayor includes at least five candidates, including incumbent Jerry Sanders . There's no question that Sanders' most serious challenger is Steve Francis, who joins me now in studio. Mr. Francis is a successful businessman and the founder of AMN Healthcare , which provides temporary nursing services.
He also has a background in politics. In the 1980’s, he served in the Nevada State Assembly. A Republican, he was elected Majority leader in 1985. He moved to San Diego County 21 years ago. He now lives in Carmel Valley.
Steve Francis has run for San Diego mayor before. He came in third, behind Sanders and Councilwoman Donna Frye, in the race to replace Dick Murphy. Murphy resigned under harsh criticism of his handling of the pension deficit. Mr. Francis ran as a fiscal conservative in 2005 who said he wanted to run government like a business. He has spent million of dollars of his own money on getting his name out to voters. That was true three years ago, and it is true this year.
Primary election day is June 3 and KPBS brings you a Mayoral Debate on Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m.
Guest
- Steve Francis , candidate for mayor of San Diego .
