Bradley’s Ready Already

Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley is a methodical man. At times he is agonizingly methodical--certainly not the sort to do things on the spur of the moment. Thus it was somewhat out of character for him last Friday night to use the Joan Rivers late-night television talk show to spring his announcement that he will run for a fifth term. That is more like Jerry Brown than Tom Bradley.

Tom Bradley also is a determined man. And the fact that he will seek another four-year term is not surprising. “Frankly, I’m not ready to retire,” the 69-year-old mayor told Rivers. “I can’t give it up.” Ever since losing his race for governor last fall, Bradley has left obvious hints all over the place that he is not about to leave public life.

There seems to be a clear motive in Bradley’s announcing his decision so far in advance of the 1989 election (that’s right, 1989): to ward off major potential challengers. About half of City Hall is itching to run for mayor. And while Bradley is not necessarily out to do potential foes a special favor, his early declaration helps them to make alternative plans if they choose not to challenge him.

Bradley has been a good mayor for Los Angeles, and there is no reason he could not go on being a good mayor during a 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th year in office. At the same time, his early decision should not scare off qualified candidates who might have the popular and financial support to run a credible race.

Los Angeles is undergoing rapid change, and is facing problems that no one could have anticipated when Bradley first took office back in 1973 after defeating incumbent Sam Yorty. The city, and even Tom Bradley, would benefit from a vigorous debate about where Los Angeles ought to be going and how it is going to get there. A mayor’s contract with the people runs four years at a time.