SAN DIEGO -- Nearly 71 percent of San Diego residents who responded to a poll released Wednesday approved of the way Mayor Jerry Sanders is doing his job, but most said the city's financial situation is getting worse or staying the same.

The survey of 503 adults was conducted by Competitive Edge Research and Communication for the newly formed San Diego Institute for Policy Research, headed by former mayoral candidate and businessman Steve Francis.

The margin of error was plus or minus 4.4 percent.

Francis, founder of AMN Healthcare, lost to Sanders during the 2005 primary election. Since then, he has been an ally of the mayor.

According to the San Diego Institute for Policy Research, the nonprofit's goal is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector by conducting research, economic bulletins, opinion polls and events.

About 52 percent of those surveyed between Jan. 3-6 said they support the work of City Attorney Michael Aguirre. About 26 percent disapprove and about 21 percent were unsure.

About 50 percent of those surveyed said the City Council is doing a good job, while about 37 percent disapprove and 12 percent were unsure.

Twenty-six percent said the city of San Diego's financial situation is getting worse, while about 50 percent said it was staying the same, and about 20 percent felt that it was improving.