SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy announced his resignation Monday, 10News reported.

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Video: Mayor Dick Murphy's Resignation AnnouncementDiscuss: Share Your Thoughts

His last day will be July 15.

"I am today announcing that I will step down as mayor of the city of San Diego on July 15, 2005," Murphy said during a press conference.

"I truly believe that that decision is in the best interest of the city of San Diego," Murphy said.

Murphy said he was proud of his accomplishments during his first term in office, including the creation of the regional airport authority, a new ballpark and the construction of Highway 56.

Murphy said he selected the resignation date in order to finish work on the city's fiscal year 2006 budget, "that needs to reduce the pension deficit, improve police and fire protection and protect basic services like parks and libraries."

Murphy said he wants the City Council to set a special election for Nov. 8 to fill the position. That date would likely coincide with an expected statewide special election.

The announcement came one week after Time magazine named Murphy one of the three worst big-city mayors in America, a designation Murphy dismissed, saying the magazine doesn't "understand what's going on."

According to Colleen Windsor, Murphy's press secretary, the mayor has been contemplating his resignation for several weeks.

During his announcement, Murphy thanked his staff and the people of San Diego.

"To the people of San Diego, thank you for giving me the privilege for letting me be your mayor for 4 ½ years. It has been my honor to serve you."

Former write-in mayoral candidate Donna Frye spoke with 10News about his resignation.

"I must say I was very surprised. I certainly respect the mayor's decision and support his decision in the best interest of the city."

She also commented about making a run for the office again.

"If there were to be a special election, yes, I would run," Frye said.

San Diegans React

"Well, that's his choice. I think he was part of the problem."

"Good, good. He's a bad man. A long time ago he knew about that pension plan."

"It's probably a good thing. If what they are saying about him is true, we probably need a new mayor."

"I would like to see him stick it out. I think it's going to cost us even more money to have another election. I think it's sad the city is in the state its in. I think it's sad for the employees and I would like to see him stick it through."

"I think it's an excellent thing for the city. I guess all the publicity when he was on the list of worst mayors, must have gotten through to him."

"I think it's long overdue. I think it started with Susan Golding and he was just a continuation of the politicing and it needs to stop."