Trying to rebound from struggling poll numbers and an ad campaign launched against him by the teachers union, Mayor Michael Bloomberg will start airing a new television commercial promoting his proposed budget.

Paying for the 30-second spot himself, Bloomberg’s move will likely spark speculation that he’s exploring a political career after City Hall – although he has repeatedly insisted that he plans on running his philanthropy after leaving office in 2014.

Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson gave NY1 a first look at the new ad which was produced by the same media firm – Squier Knapp Dunn Communications – that worked on Bloomberg’s mayoral campaigns. Wolfson said the mayor decided to launch the commercial to serve as a counterbalance to the nearly $3 million in ads that unions have aired against the mayor over the last month.

“One side has been presented on television and now it's time to present the other side,’’ said Wolfson in an interview on “Inside City Hall” with Political Anchor Errol Louis.

Wolfson also dismissed any speculation that the mayor wants to run for another office – or a fourth term.

“The mayor has said repeatedly he's not running for anything else, this is his last job in elected office, but he is fighting to get his views out there,” said Wolfson.

Sources say the mayor’s spot will run on television stations across the city and that the mayor is spending “in the six-figure range” to buy airtime.

Here is the text of the ad, titled “Independence,” that will start airing tomorrow on TV stations across the city: “Everyone knows these are tough times. Mike Bloomberg’s solution is built on our core values: a balanced budget that holds the line on taxes while protecting our social safety net, fights crime and keeps vital job creation projects on track. And on education, Albany’s budget cuts threaten teacher layoffs. Bloomberg is working for reforms that help keep the best teachers in the classroom educating our kids. Independence, not for the special interests, but for all New Yorkers.”

The ad can be seen above.

See the full interview with Wolfson on “Inside City Hall” at 7 and 10 o'clock tonight.