Steve Francis confirmed Tuesday he would enter the San Diego mayoral race. In the announcement of his second bid for the position, Francis highlighted his desire to free San Diego from the grip of special interests and to restore fiscal integrity, ethics and transparency in city government.

The mayoral hopeful who placed third in the 2005 primary election, said his decision to run again followed months of meetings with neighborhood groups, business owners, community and labor leaders and citizens.

“The message I received was loud and clear,” Francis, 53, said, opening his address by describing important aspects of his background that shape the type of leader he will be. “San Diego wants and needs new leadership.”

Francis brings a background of politics and business to the mayor’s race. At 28, he became one of the youngest assemblymembers ever elected to the Nevada State Assembly, serving from 1983 to 1987, and was also elected as the majority leader in 1985. After losing a race for state Senate, Francis moved to California, first to Rancho Santa Fe and, five years ago, to Carmel Valley.

Best known as co-founder and chair of AMN Healthcare, a provider of temporary nursing services, Francis said it became clear to him that faith in City Hall has been replaced with a belief that preserving the status quo rules the day.

“Lobbyists have controlled City Hall and the politicians have turned a deaf ear to the voices of everyday San Diegans for too long,” he said.

Francis plans to remain free from the influences of special interests by not accepting any political contributions from these groups. “By refusing contributions from special interests, San Diegans from all political parties will have confidence that their voices will finally be heard over the lobbyists,” he said.

In 2005, Francis financed his campaign with about $2 million of his own funds. After coming in a close third, Francis endorsed fellow Republican Jerry Sanders, who went on to beat Councilmember Donna Frye during the nonpartisan runoff election.

This time around, Francis said he’ll do a better job working with the city’s unions than Sanders has. In the past, Francis has also said he would have vetoed the City Council’s decision last year to sign an amicus brief in support of same-sex marriage. Sanders reversed his decision to veto the signing because members of his staff and one of his daughters are gay.

Francis plans to bring what he called the best ideas of all political parties forward in a united effort to advance an agenda of change and accountability. “I will be an independent mayor,” he said, explaining he plans to bring forth new solutions from across the country as the foundation for his administration.

Francis described a detailed set of policy ideas he calls “Steve Francis’ Vision for Reforming City Hall,” that include improving public safety, balancing the budget and protecting taxpayers, inspiring an urban renaissance, fixing San Diego’s transportation and increasing healthcare access.

“The opportunity to fight for change at City Hall belongs to each of us. I’m prepared to lead the movement for change because, together we can make San Diego great again,” Francis said.