He won the office in 2001 by just 403 votes in a tight race with Jay Benanav, a city councilman.

As mayor, he was noted for his efforts to increase the minimum wage and create and retain high-paying jobs.

In 2004, he rankled fellow Democrats by endorsing and campaigning for President George W. Bush's re-election.

According to critics, his conservative views, which may have been intended to garner support from Republicans and independents, undermined his constituent base in the Democratic Party.

An unsuccessful grassroots campaign to recall him was launched shortly after his announcement in support of Bush's re-election effort.