A FORUM FOR COMMUNITY ISSUES : Second Opinion / COMMENTARY FROM OTHER NEWSPAPERS : LA OPINION : Mayor Bradley Made the Correct Decision

In announcing (Thursday) that he will not seek a new term as mayor, Tom Bradley demonstrated the sincerity of his affection for the Angelino community, his great vision for the future of the city and the common sense of a man who knows how to choose the appropriate time to make the crucial decisions in his life.

. . . In getting ready to “pass the torch to a new leadership,” Mayor Bradley has thought it convenient to also express some of his concerns and his dreams for the future of this city. Bradley points to racism as the worst evil in the United States.

. . . Mayor Bradley has promised to dedicate his efforts to working for a great transformation that will turn the city of Los Angeles into an example of tolerance and mutual respect.

Bradley’s decision opens the way for public campaigning for the city’s top post. Los Angeles is going through a critical period of its history. Those who expect to succeed Bradley should demonstrate the ability to lead our community past the stormy present toward a future of progress, tolerance and living together in solidarity among all groups and ethnicities that make up our society’s great human and cultural wealth.

La Opinion is a daily Spanish-language newspaper in Los Angeles.