John F. Cusack

John F. Cusack (October 5, 1937 – September 11, 2014) was an American politician.

Life and career

John F. Cusack was born on October 5, 1937, and raised in Medford, Massachusetts. He later moved to Arlington, where he lived throughout his tenure on the Massachusetts House of Representatives.[1][2] Cusack served continuously as a state representative from 1971 to 1986. During his first two terms, Cusack occupied the 7th Middlesex district seat. This was followed by two terms holding the 9th Middlesex district seat. Cusack subsequently represented the 25th Middlesex district for four terms until his retirement.[3] He died on September 11, 2014, at the age of 76.[4]

He is known for his successful opposition to a planned extension of the MBTA Red Line in the late 1970s, sponsoring a state bill to ban MBTA facilities within 75 yards of Arlington Catholic High School.[5] He claimed that "all it would do is move Harvard Square problems to Arlington."[6] After nearly 50 years in force, the ban was repealed in late 2024.[7]

References

1. "REGISTER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS" (PDF). Government of Massachusetts. 1979. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
2. "JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS" (PDF). Government of Massachusetts. 1973. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
3. "John F. Cusack (D)". Massachusetts Secretary of State. Archived from the original on 2022-02-13. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
4. "John F. "Jack" Cusack". Legacy. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
5. "Cusack is a candidate for reelection". Arlington Advocate. September 13, 1984.
6. "Advocate interviews with the candidates". Arlington Advocate. September 5, 1974.
7. "Bill to repeal MBTA prohibition OK'd by Legislature". YourArlington. Retrieved 20 December 2024.