Frank Licht

Frank Licht was an American jurist and politician who served as the 67th Governor of Rhode Island from 1969 to 1973. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served for over a decade as an Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. His single term as governor was marked by significant fiscal challenges and efforts in government reorganization.

Early Life

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of immigrants from the Russian Empire. He attended local public schools before pursuing higher education at Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He continued his studies at Harvard Law School, graduating and subsequently being admitted to the Rhode Island Bar Association. His early legal career was briefly interrupted by service in the United States Army during World War II, where he served in the Judge Advocate General's Corps.

Career

After his military service, he returned to Providence to practice law. His judicial career began in 1956 when he was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court by Governor Dennis J. Roberts. He served on the bench for twelve years, earning a reputation for fairness. In 1968, he successfully ran for Governor of Rhode Island, defeating popular incumbent John Chafee, a Republican. His administration faced immediate budgetary shortfalls and inherited a large deficit from the previous administration. He championed the creation of the Rhode Island Department of Community Affairs and oversaw the establishment of the University of Rhode Island's College of Continuing Education. His term also saw the passage of the state's first income tax, a controversial measure intended to address the fiscal crisis. He chose not to seek re-election in 1972 and was succeeded by Philip W. Noel.

Personal Life

He was married to Elsie F. Licht, and the couple had two children. He was a lifelong resident of Providence and was actively involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout the state, including the Rhode Island Community Foundation and the Providence Performing Arts Center. Following his term as governor, he returned to the private practice of law with the firm Hinckley, Allen, Salisbury & Parsons. He remained a respected figure in Rhode Island legal and political circles until his death in Providence in 1987.

Legacy

His tenure as governor is primarily remembered for navigating a severe fiscal crisis and implementing structural changes to state government. The creation of the Rhode Island Department of Community Affairs had a lasting impact on state planning and development. While the imposition of the state income tax was politically damaging, it established a more stable revenue base for future administrations. His transition from the judiciary to the executive branch remains a unique path in Rhode Island political history. His papers are housed at the Rhode Island Historical Society.

Achievements

His key achievements include his electoral victory over incumbent John Chafee in the 1968 gubernatorial election. As governor, he successfully advocated for the legislative creation of the Rhode Island Department of Community Affairs. He signed into law the state's first broad-based income tax in 1971. He also oversaw significant expansion of the University of Rhode Island system and supported environmental initiatives, including measures related to Narragansett Bay. His administration worked on modernizing the state's court system and he later received the Roger Williams Award from the Rhode Island Council of Churches.

Category:1916 births Category:1987 deaths Category:Governors of Rhode Island Category:Harvard University alumni Category:Harvard Law School alumni