Bank on Frank

Cream colored button with black and white image of Frank Rizzo in the center, and red and blue text above an below image.

In 1971, Frank Rizzo, then known as Philadelphia's Police Commissioner, launched his first campaign for mayor. Running as a Democrat, Rizzo appealed to voters who were concerned about rising crime rates and sought a strong leader to restore order. This campaign was ultimately successful, leading to his election as mayor. He held his office for 2 terms, and then tried to run for reelection for a third term by attempting to amend the Philadelphia city charter, but did not succeed. 10 years later, in 1987, Rizzo ran for mayor again, but this time as a Republican. He was defeated by Mayor W. Wilson Goode, but did not give up and ran for election once again, as a Republican, in 1991. He unfortunately died that same year, suffering from a heart attack while campaigning. 

Rizzo was a very important political figure in Philadelphia, but he also holds a controversial legacy. Notoriously racist, Rizzo was known for violence and civil rights violations. Alongside his 1971 campaign slogan, “You can bank on Frank'', Rizzo also told Philadelphian’s to “vote white”. A statue honoring him was built in front of the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building in 1998, but was eventually removed in June 2020 amid nationwide protests against police brutality. He is remembered by some as a champion of public safety and others as a symbol of racial division and police brutality.