Joseph F. Smith (politician)

Joseph F. Smith (January 24, 1920 – May 14, 1999), was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania during the Ninety-seventh United States Congress (1981-1983).

Smith served as the 31st Ward Leader for more than three decades.Clarifyme|date=March 2008

Background

Smith was born in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - a community composed of blue collar families, mostly of Irish, Polish and Russian heritage. He was married to Regina Bukowski-Smith, also of the Port Richmond section in Philadelphia. They had one daughter, Regina. Smith was a Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient in the United States Army during World War II.

Political career

After leaving the military, Smith became active in local politics, serving first as Ward Chair for James A. Byrne between 1965 and 1970. He became Byrne's Administrative Assistant during that time. He then served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1970 until 1981 — first as a congressional staff member, then as an elected State Representative and eventually Chair of the Committee on Appropriations .

He won election in 1981 as a Democrat to the 97th Congress through a special election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative Raymond F. Lederer due to the ABSCAM sting.cite news |title = The Equal-Opportunity Culture of Corruption |author = Rudin, Ken |date = 2007-06-06 |url = http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10770284 |publisher = "NPR.org" |accessdate = 2007-07-29] Smith lost the Democratic primary in the special election, but then ran as a Republican, with the blessing of the GOP, in the general election and won. He promised during his campaign that he would caucus with the Democrats if elected.

After leaving the U.S. House of Representatives in 1983, Smith went on to become Democratic City Chairman in Philadelphia between 1983 and 1986. He was succeeded by Bob Brady.

Honors

In honor of Smith's years of service to his community, the United States Postal Service facility located at 1602 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia ("Kensington Station") was renamed as the "Joseph F. Smith Post Office Building" thanks to his niece, Joan T. Bukowski-Tanghe.Fact|date=July 2007

ee also

References

*CongBio|S000579|Joseph F. Smith
* H.R.4554: "To redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1602 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the "Joseph F. Smith Post Office Building"." Sponsor: Rep Robert A. Borski. Introduced May 25 2000; July 18 2000, considered and passed House; October 6 2000, considered and passed U.S. Senate.