By Bob Katzen
Former State Representative and Congressman Barny Frank died last week. Gov. Maura Healey ordered that all flags on state buildings be flown at half-mast.
“Barney Frank was smart, deeply principled and unfailingly honest – a combination that made him an incredibly effective legislator on major issues from financial reform after the Great Recession, to legislative reform here in Massachusetts. As one of the first openly gay members of Congress, Barney broke barriers and often played an indispensable role in efforts to protect and expand gay rights. Even from hospice care, Barney’s legendary political acumen and trademark candor meant that he was still uniquely capable of answering questions about how Democrats can expand their coalition and govern more effectively. Above all else though, Barney’s honesty and relentless commitment to his principles were increasingly rare traits in politics — leaving behind a legacy that we should all strive to learn from.”
—House Speaker Ron Mariano
“Barney Frank was one of a kind — a giant in public life who helped change Massachusetts and America for the better. Over the course of his career, Barney fought tirelessly for working people, civil rights and LGBTQ+ equality. He was brilliant, fearless, quick-witted and never afraid to say exactly what was on his mind. Barney was a relentless advocate and someone who understood both the urgency and the complexity of the issues he took on.”
—Gov. Maura Healey
“I join a grateful commonwealth and nation in mourning the loss of Barney Frank. Barney was many things: a skilled legislator, a trailblazer for gay Americans and a public servant in every sense of the word. Most importantly, he was a good person. His quick wit and keen sense of humor served him well in this work, providing a much-needed sense of levity during times of great challenge. It was a privilege not only to serve alongside him for more than 20 years, but also to call him a dear friend.”
—Congressman Richard Neal.
“For more than 30 years, he showed up – as a champion for consumers, a watchdog over Wall Street and a trailblazer for equality. He came out as gay while serving in Congress and married the love of his life. He was a true legislator who understood the role of Congress, passing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to protect the American people after the 2008 banking crisis. And right up to the very end, he was still fighting, still speaking plainly, still demanding more of his party and his country.”
—Congresswoman Lori Trahan.
“As Congressman, Barney Frank left an indelible mark on public life in Boston, our commonwealth and the country. He did so with common sense, penetrating intelligence and his trademark wit. He embodied the very best of our Democratic Party. A steadfast champion of our core principles, Barney’s deep commitment to the people he served earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and constituents alike. All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Barney for his leadership in expanding civil rights and creating a fairer and more responsive financial system. Barney’s legacy is defined not only by his legislative achievements, but by his unwavering dedication to fairness, accountability and the enduring belief that government can be a force for meaningful, positive change in people’s lives.”
— Steve Kerrigan, Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
“Barney’s wit was legendary, and he used it as a powerful tool of engagement. No matter the situation, he got people laughing. And he could use that laughter to pierce the arguments of his antagonists on the House floor and in the hearing room, simplifying what they called intractable problems, but what he knew were simple solutions that everyone understood. He embraced his role as LGBTQ icon, advocating for the people and communities who had been long overlooked. Through both personal example and public legislation, he strove to make the lives of the LGBTQ community more just and more equitable.”
—U.S. Sen. Ed Markey.
“Barney Frank was a true Massachusetts original. He employed humor and hard work to blaze new paths and used his voice to speak up for the voiceless. He was both larger than life and approachably human. We are the lucky benefactors of his legacy of public service and LGBTQ+ visibility.”
—Senate President Karen Spilka.