Joseph Bradway Jr.


Joseph F. Bradway Jr. was an American politician and banker who served as the Atlantic City, New Jersey, from May 16, 1972, to March 16, 1976. A Republican, he was elected at age 30, making him the city's youngest mayor at the time. His administration tackled economic decline in the fading resort town, pushing for casino gambling, infrastructure upgrades, and financial reforms. Bradway stepped down in 1976 to focus on his banking career, returning to his role as president of Guarantee Bank in South Jersey.

Early life

Born around 1942, Joseph F. Bradway Jr. grew up in South Jersey and entered the banking world early, becoming president of Guarantee Bank by age 27, where his father, Joseph Bradway Sr., served as board chairman.

Political career

Bradway took office as mayor on May 16, 1972, succeeding William T. Somers, as one of five city commissioners under Atlantic City’s commission government. He served until March 16, 1976, when he resigned and was succeeded by Joseph Lazarow. His tenure came at a tough time, with Atlantic City struggling against urban decay, dwindling tourism, and tight budgets.
Bradway championed economic revival, backing casino gambling, which New Jersey voters approved in a 1976 referendum after his departure. He pushed for bold ideas like landing the Concorde supersonic jet in the region and offshore drilling to boost the economy. He also spruced up the city with projects like restoring meeting rooms in the Convention Hall, adding amber street lamps, and introducing trams on the boardwalk to draw tourists.
In 1973, he founded the Atlantic County Mayors Association and the Resort Mayors Association, uniting 20 coastal New Jersey mayors to lobby for resort-friendly laws and share ideas. After a 1974 casino referendum failed, Bradway rallied the Seashore Mayors Association to tackle Atlantic City’s urban blight, unemployment, and fading convention business, urging opponents to propose solutions. He tightened city finances by requiring public, sealed bids for city deposits and avoided conflicts of interest by closing city accounts with Guarantee Bank, where his family held a 27% stake.

Resignation

In March 1976, Bradway announced he would not run again, frustrated by the city’s slow progress, and resigned soon after to focus on banking and business ventures. Joseph Lazarow took over as mayor, with Edmund J. Colanzi filling Lazarow’s commissioner seat.

Personal life

Bradway was first married to Carol, and they had four children before divorcing in January 1973. Later in 1973 he married an actress, Michelle Stephanie Lenzmeier. After stepping down, he returned to Guarantee Bank, where his brother-in-law, Douglas Glover, had been president during his mayoral term. Bradway planned to stay involved in civic life as a “budget watchdog” and major taxpayer in Atlantic City.

Legacy

Bradway’s time as mayor marked a turning point for Atlantic City, as it moved from a declining resort to the cusp of a casino-driven revival. His push for gambling, infrastructure, and fiscal discipline helped lay the foundation for the city’s transformation in the late 1970s, even if the big changes came after he left office.