Bill Bradley, 70; GOP Member of Assembly

Republican Assemblyman Bill Bradley died early Thursday in his sleep at his San Marcos home after a four-year battle with cancer. He was 70.

A low-keyed legislator during his seven years representing the 76th District--which covers northeastern San Diego County and parts of southern Riverside County--Bradley was perhaps best known for his ardent advocacy of private property rights.

That stance often put him on a collision course with environmentalists over such issues as development of coastal farmlands, coastal access, toxic wastes and growth control. One of his favorite targets was the California Coastal Commission, which is charged with regulating development along the state’s oceanfront.

Shortly after he was elected in 1982, Bradley led an unsuccessful charge to dismantle the coastal agency. When that failed, he won passage of legislation that, at the behest of developers, limited the commission’s hold over agricultural land in Carlsbad.

Bad Publicity

The move eventually reaped bad publicity for Bradley when it was reported that he subsequently received a $3,000 contribution from a developer who stood to gain $420,000 in refunded fees because of the legislation. Bradley returned the money.

Despite that episode, the soft-spoken assemblyman seldom drew attention as he toiled quietly for his pet projects, which his staff members said included funding for dyslexic students and an attempt to require the death penalty for anyone convicted of killing a child 7 years or younger.

A civil engineer by profession, Bradley was more at home with the mundane nuts-and-bolts of government. His grooming in public service came as an administrator--first assistant city manager of Imperial Beach, then city manager and city engineer of San Marcos.

Bradley won election to the Assembly in 1982 from a district that is nearly 55% Republican. Although Bradley set a record as the rookie who introduced the most bills--in excess of 100--he concentrated more on solving constituent problems, said Herb Williams, Bradley’s longtime political consultant.

Bradley’s public career nearly came to an end in 1985 when his doctor diagnosed terminal colon and liver cancer. At first, Bradley announced he would serve out his term and retire. But he changed his mind after coming through a successful operation to remove parts of his colon and implant a pump to provide direct chemotherapy to his liver.

Bradley is survived by his wife, Margaret, and two daughters.

Gov. George Deukmejian has 14 days to call a special election to fill Bradley’s seat. A primary will be held about two months from that point and, if no candidate garners more than 50% of the vote, a general election after that.