NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Times enthusiastically endorsed Mayor Michael Bloomberg for re-election, saying he was on course to be one of the best mayors the city has ever had.The overwhelmingly positive editorial published in Sunday's editions said Bloomberg, a Republican, has not been as entertaining as his predecessors but "has been better at running the city.""If he continues his record of accomplishment over the next four years, he may be remembered as one of the greatest mayors in New York history," the editorial said.Recent opinion polls put Bloomberg well ahead of his Democratic challenger, Fernando Ferrer.The Times praised Bloomberg for accomplishments including bringing down the crime rate, establishing the 311 telephone hot line for reporting city complaints and remaining "focused on getting things done, not getting headlines."The Times endorsed Bloomberg's Democratic opponent, Mark Green, in 2001, criticizing Bloomberg's "out-of-control campaign spending" and saying he was unwilling to engage his opponent in "an even fight."Bloomberg, a billionaire who is financing his own campaign, spent $75 million in the 2001 race and is on track to spend even more this year.The editorial praised Ferrer for running "a creditable race" but said his major campaign theme -- that the city is divided between rich and poor -- made the case for Bloomberg. By improving city schools and hospitals and by pledging to build more affordable housing, one of Ferrer's campaign themes, the mayor is addressing the problem, the Times said.Ferrer's camp was disappointed with the editorial, spokeswoman Jen Bluestein said.Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.