Top Bradley Aide Resigns, Denies It’s Political Move

Fran Savitch, one of Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley’s top aides, has resigned to become a partner in a Century City public relations firm, the mayor’s office announced Thursday.

Her resignation, effective July 15, comes after that of former Deputy Mayor Tom Houston, who recently left to join a law firm.

Savitch and Bradley press deputy Ali Webb said Savitch simply is taking a good job opportunity. But another aide said there is speculation inside City Hall that Savitch is leaving as Bradley prepares for a run for a fifth term because “she likes to be with winners, and if she feels you’re not a winner she gets off the ship.”

Savitch, long considered one of the mayor’s most politically astute aides, denied that she is leaving because Bradley is facing tough times.

The recent City Council election handed defeats to two strong Bradley allies, Pat Russell and Homer Broome. Bradley is trying to resolve a host of politically loaded problems, including the anti-growth sentiments of Westside and San Fernando Valley voters and the dilemma of the homeless who are concentrated just blocks from City Hall.

Strong opposition is expected from Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky and others if the mayor seeks reelection in 1989 as he has pledged.

Savitch, who earned approximately $63,000 a year as executive assistant, has worked for Bradley since 1973, when he was first elected mayor. She ran for office once, losing to Yaroslavsky in a City Council race in 1975.

Over the years, the former housewife, Democratic Party volunteer, and staff aide to former Assemblywoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke turned her job in the mayor’s office into one of the most influential at City Hall. She became one of the few “inner circle” Bradley aides who could make it easy--or difficult--to get the mayor’s ear.

She was the key adviser in Bradley’s appointments to city boards and commissions. Savitch also was his liaison to the Airport Commission and the powerful Community Redevelopment Agency, which has been in charge of attracting more business and cultural centers downtown.

Bradley Credited

In her new job for the public relations firm of Boonshaft-Lewis, Savitch will be dealing with many of the same downtown power brokers she worked with in her City Hall job.

“If it wasn’t for Tom Bradley, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity,” Savitch said. “I mean, I earned it, but he gave the opportunity to develop the skills I have.” She said she continues to support Bradley and “will always be a member of the Bradley team.”

Webb said the duties performed by Savitch will be spread among several members of the mayor’s staff.

Bradley said Savitch “has been an invaluable member of my staff. She will be greatly missed.”