Tim Hickey - Political Career

Political Career

In 1962 Hickey ran for Representative from the 3rd Middlesex District. He won a competitive Democratic primary for the seat vacated by Lawrence F. Feloney, followed by a win in the November general election. He won reelection in 1964, 1966, 1968 and 1970.

Representative Hickey took his oath of office on January 1, 1963 at the age of 24, being the youngest member of the Legislature. Notable members of the Class of 1963 included: Congressman Joseph D. Early of Worcester, Governor Michael S. Dukakis who became the Democratic nominee for President in 1988, David M. Bartley who became Speaker of the Massachusetts House, and Thomas W. McGee who would also go on to become Speaker.

During his tenure in office Representative Hickey served under three governors: Endicott Peabody, John Volpe, and Francis Sargent. Also serving under four speakers: John F. Thompson of Ludlow, John F.X. Davoren of Milford, Robert H. Quinn of Boston, and David M. Bartley of Holyoke.

He voted to replace four of the constitutional offices in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 1964, Robert Q. Crane as State Treasurer replacing John T. Driscoll. Also in 1964, Thaddeus Buczko as State Auditor replacing Thomas J. Buckley. In 1967, John F.X. Davoren replacing Kevin H. White as Secretary of State. In 1969, Robert H. Quinn replacing Elliot Richardson as Attorney General.

Hickey served on the following House committees: Committee on Cities, Committee on Counties, Committee on Federal Financial Assistance, and the Committee On Ways and Means. Additionally, he served on the Special Commission on Mental Health.

In 1968, Representative Hickey attended the Democratic National Convention at The Stockyard in Chicago with the Massachusetts Delegation to support Hubert H. Humphrey and Edmund Muskie.

In 1972 Hickey left the House and was appointed Deputy State Treasurer, a post he held until 1980, returning full-time as President and owner of the William T. Hickey & Son Funeral Home in Cambridge.