Frank Rizzo Quotes
Frank Rizzo is an American author and journalist who has written extensively on politics, culture, and the media. He is best known for his books The Last Big Enchilada: The Inside Story of the New Mexico U.S. Senate Race (2005) and The Madhouse: Inside the Wildest Political Show on Earth (2009). He…Read More
Frank Rizzo is an American author and journalist who has written extensively on politics, culture, and the media. He is best known for his books The Last Big Enchilada: The Inside Story of the New Mexico U.S. Senate Race (2005) and The Madhouse: Inside the Wildest Political Show on Earth (2009). He has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The New Republic. Rizzo has won numerous awards for his work, including the National Magazine Award for Reporting and the National Press Club Award for Political Analysis. He is a frequent commentator on television and radio, and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News.Read Less
Frank Rizzo is an American author and journalist who has written extensively on politics, culture, and the media. He is best known for his books The Last Big Enchilada: The Inside Story of the New Mexico U.S. Senate Race (2005) and The Madhouse: Inside the Wildest Political Show on Earth (2009). He has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The New Republic. Rizzo has won numerous awards for his work, including the National Magazine Award for Reporting and the National Press Club Award for Political Analysis. He is a frequent commentator on television and radio, and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News.
Frank Rizzo Career Highlights
- Served as the 119th Mayor of Philadelphia from 1972 to 1980
- Prior to becoming mayor, served as a police officer and then police commissioner in Philadelphia
- Known for his tough stance on crime and controversial tactics, including the use of the “MOVE” bombing in 1985
- Ran for mayor again in 1987 but lost to Wilson Goode
- Ran for mayor a third time in 1991 but lost to Ed Rendell
Key Contributions by Frank Rizzo
- As police commissioner, implemented the “Rizzo Plan” which focused on aggressive tactics to combat crime
- Created the first SWAT team in Philadelphia
- Increased the number of African American officers in the police force
- Established the first community relations division in the police department
- Oversaw the construction of the Philadelphia Police Academy
What Sets Frank Rizzo Apart
- Known for his tough and controversial leadership style
- Often referred to as a “law and order” politician
- Had a strong following among working-class and white voters in Philadelphia
- Remains a polarizing figure in Philadelphia’s history, with some viewing him as a hero and others as a symbol of racism and police brutality
Takeaways
- Frank Rizzo’s tenure as mayor and police commissioner had a significant impact on the city of Philadelphia
- His tough stance on crime and controversial tactics continue to be debated and analyzed
- Rizzo’s legacy is still felt in the city, with his name appearing on a street and a statue in his honor, as well as ongoing discussions about his impact on race relations and policing in Philadelphia.
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