Joseph Bradway Jr.
Joseph F. Bradway Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | circa 1942 South Jersey, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, politician |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Known for | Mayor of Atlantic City (1972–1976) |
Joseph F. Bradway Jr. (born circa 1942) was an American banker and politician who held the office of Mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey from May 16, 1972, until March 16, 1976. As a member of the Republican Party, he was elected at the age of 30, making him the youngest individual to serve as mayor in the city's history. His administration focused on combating economic downturn by advocating for casino gambling, enhancing infrastructure, and implementing financial reforms. Bradway stepped down in 1976 to dedicate himself to banking, later resuming leadership as president of Guarantee Bank in South Jersey.
Early life
Born around 1942 in South Jersey, Bradway embarked on a banking career early on, ascending to the presidency of Guarantee Bank by age 27. His father, Joseph Bradway Sr., served as chairman of the bank's board.
Political career
Bradway assumed the mayoralty on May 16, 1972, following William T. Somers, operating under Atlantic City’s commission form of government. He resigned on March 16, 1976, with Joseph Lazarow succeeding him. His period in office was marked by urban decline, reduced tourism, and financial limitations.
He was a proponent of economic revitalization through casino gambling, which voters approved in a referendum held after his departure. Among his forward-thinking proposals were attracting the Concorde supersonic jet and offshore oil drilling to boost the local economy. Additionally, he worked to improve the city’s attractiveness by refurbishing Convention Hall meeting spaces, installing amber-colored street lighting, and introducing trams along the boardwalk.
In 1973, Bradway established both the Atlantic County Mayors Association and the Resort Mayors Association to foster cooperation and advocacy among coastal New Jersey mayors. Following an unsuccessful casino referendum in 1974, he rallied the Seashore Mayors Association to confront issues like urban decay, rising unemployment, and a decline in conventions while challenging opponents to propose alternative solutions. To strengthen municipal finances, he required competitive bidding for public deposits and avoided conflicts of interest by transferring city accounts away from Guarantee Bank, where his family owned a 27% share.
Resignation
Frustrated by slow progress in addressing city challenges, Bradway announced in March 1976 that he would not pursue re-election and resigned shortly thereafter to concentrate on banking and business interests. Joseph Lazarow took over as mayor, with Edmund J. Colanzi filling Lazarow’s vacated commissioner position.
Personal life
Bradway's first marriage was to Carol, with whom he had four children before their divorce in January 1973. Later that year, he wed actress Michelle Stephanie Lenzmeier. After leaving public office, he returned to Guarantee Bank, where his brother-in-law Douglas Glover had served as president during Bradway’s mayoral tenure. He continued participating in civic matters as a vigilant “budget watchdog” and significant taxpayer within Atlantic City.
Legacy
Bradway’s time as mayor represented a pivotal moment for Atlantic City, New Jersey, marking its shift from a declining resort town toward a revitalization centered around casino gaming. His efforts promoting legalized gambling, infrastructure upgrades, and fiscal responsibility established a foundation for the city’s transformation in the late 1970s despite major developments occurring after his term ended.
See also
- List of mayors of Atlantic City, New Jersey
- History of Atlantic City, New Jersey
- 1976 New Jersey casino gambling referendum