Ex-Great American Executive Says He Will Enter Mayor Race

Financier Tom Carter, a Democrat who wants city government to operate more like a business, said Thursday that he intends to enter the race for mayor of San Diego.

Carter, 51, is the second candidate to form an exploratory committee and begin raising funds in a bid to replace Mayor Maureen O’Connor, who will step down next year.

County Supervisor Susan Golding already is in the race. San Diego City Councilman Ron Roberts is expected to run, and managed growth activist Peter Navarro appears to be positioning himself as a candidate in the nonpartisan contest, which begins with a primary next June.

San Diego City Councilman Bruce Henderson also is mentioned as a possible candidate.

Carter, a former executive with Great American Bank and a current member of the Centre City Development Corp. board of directors, said he formed his committee last month, after state Sen. Lucy Killea decided not to enter the race.

He said his status as a government outsider is an asset, and he hopes to bring more business principles to the operation of the city.

“The mayor should be like the chairman of the board--set policies for the city and make sure those policies are carried out,” Carter said.

Carter, who estimated that he would have to raise more than $250,000 to mount a credible campaign in the primary election, will hold his first fund-raiser next week.