O.C. Political Leaders Laud Bradley as Role Model for All

Political leaders across Orange County remembered former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley Tuesday as a gracious, humble man who earned their admiration over the years.

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel A. Pulido Jr. recalled meeting Bradley in 1982 when Bradley ran for governor.

“I talked to him about how much I respected him and how he had conducted himself so well through many difficult situations over the years,” Pulido said. “He opened doors not only for African Americans but women and minorities and many other people. . . . That’s what made him such a strong mayor for so many years.”

Democratic organizer Wylie Aitken, a trial attorney in Santa Ana, remembered Bradley as “the most ego-less politician I ever met.”

“He was an absolute consummate gentleman and had a humility and absence of ego virtually unheard of in politicians,” Aitken said.

Bradley was the guest of honor in 1982 at an event hosted by the Orange County Democratic Party at the O’Neill Ranch in South County.

“Tom was the star,” Aitken said.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Daly said Bradley was a positive role model for local politicians across the state.

“The main achievement is the L.A. Olympics [in 1984], which was very fitting because he was a track star in college,” Daly said. “He was a man who worked hard to earn his place as a leader.”