Brookline Rep Frank Smizik To Retire, Who Will Run For It?

BROOKLINE, MA — After representing Brookline for nearly 20 years, Frank Smizik announced this will be his last term in office. Several politically involved Brookline residents took to Twitter this afternoon to wish him well, raising speculation about who might be considering a run. All brushed off questions of taking his seat in favor of celebrating the outgoing representative for his work.

Town Meeting Member Tommy Vitolo, who was Smizik's campaign treasurer said he is a champion of the outgoing representative's work, especially on climate change.

"The Global Warming Solutions Act, was critical," said Vitolo adding it is one that should be used as a model in other communities around the country. The act requires the governor to enforce emissions regulations by 2050, "because the science says that we have to do that," said Vitolo. "And we know that the Federal government is not going to push for these regulations so it's up to cities, towns and local governments."

Vitolo also praised Smizik for his work on education.

"He was the Representative who always made sure to represent us. He answered our calls. He came to our events. He advocated for our causes and filed bills on our behalf. And he opened his home to us alongside his incredible spouse, Julie Johnson. That's the Frank I got to know as his constituent, and had the honor of serving as Campaign Treasurer for the past several years," wrote Vitolo on his website.

Vitolo stressed this was Smizik's time for recognition, but when pressed said he would consider a run for Smizik's seat.

Town Meeting member Michael Burstein, who took Smizik's seat in Town Meeting when he vacated after being elected to the legislature, also took to social media.

"Frank has been a leader in fighting for the environment, for public education, and for social justice," he tweeted. Shortly after he posted to Facebook, friends were asking him if he would consider a run. Someone close to his previous campaigns told Patch he hadn't ruled it out.

Brookline Selectboard member Ben Franco said he would miss Smizik for his 18 years of dedicated public service and highlighted several of the bills the representative had backed.

"During his time in the Legislature, he has been a strong advocate for Brookline. Among his many accomplishments are passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act, the Mercury Management Act and the Green Communities Act - important legislation in the fight against climate change and increasing sustainability. I wish Representative Smizik a long healthy retirement, and hope he will remain a part of the climate change conversation for many years to come," he said in a note to Patch.

Franco laughed when asked if he'd consider a run.

"@FrankSmizik is my dear friend and a devoted public servant who has represented Brookline for nearly 20 years. Thank you for your leadership, Frank!" Tweeted Jesse Mermell a former Brookline selectwoman, former top aid to Gov. Deval Patrick and the president of the Alliance for Business Leadership.

When asked, Mermell said "It's Frank's day."

Smizik has represented the 15th Norfolk District in the State house of Representatives since he was elected in 2001 unopposed. Since he was first elected he ran unopposed until Curt Myers a young Republican, stepped up to challenge him in 2014. Smizik who sat on the School Committee member for nearly a decade and was a member of the Brookline Housing Authority before that for a decade, won by 80 percent of the vote.

Smizik serves as chairman of the new House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, and has been active in regard to sponsoring legislation that takes into consideration the environment and global climate change.

Smizik was born on September 4, 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Peabody High School in Pittsburgh and did his undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1966. His law degree is from Duquesne University, graduating in 1971. He served for 25 years as a legal services lawyer addressing housing and other civil issues facing low income persons and was involved in landmark litigation creating rights for persons displaced by urban renewal and developed state and federal, as well as litigation strategies, to avoid homelessness.

Frank is married to Julie Johnson. They were married on January 1, 1981 and they have two children, Emma and Hallie.

This is a breaking news alert. More to come shortly.

Photo courtesy of Smizik's office.

[Editor's note: Town Meeting Member Tommy Vitolo said he was CONSIDERING a run for Smizik's seat, but has made no such official bid]