In recent years, conservative Oceanside city councilmember Jerry Kern has sound himself in the middle of some pretty ugly political battles.

Two years ago Kern fought against a recall campaign largely backed by Oceanside's public safety unions. Those in favor of the recall effort accused Kern of favoring developers over residents.

The recall effort failed.

Last year, Kern was reelected to the council after spending the most out of any candidate. According to an article in the North County Times, Kern spent $63,000 on his reelection campaign. His largest donation came from Oceanside Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, an offshoot of the American Builders and Contractors trade organization.

Now, Kern will fight another battle, this one for the chance to serve as Mayor of Oceanside. In an August 11 email, Kern announced his decision to run.

"I believe we deserve a government that is accountable: a government that creates strategic, comprehensive visions that will benefit the taxpayers and implements them with an eye towards the future rather than the past, without letting special interests or vocal minorities guide the process.

I believe that Oceanside needs a strong leader over the next few years to help provide Oceanside with the strong foundation needed to build economic viability."

So far Kern is the first candidate to officially announce a mayoral run, however, current mayor Jim Wood has stated that he will likely run for re-election.