Upper Darby politics will never be quite the same.
Nick Micozzie won't be a part of it.
The longtime Republican state rep announced Monday he would retire at the end of the current term. His decision brings to an end 36 years representing Upper Darby and surrounding towns in Harrisburg. That means 18 campaigns. I think Nick has earned a little time off.
You can read our coverage on his decision here.
Our editorial delves into what the region has lost.
In this space today, I'd like to talk about what is to come.
Micozzie's exit completes something that had not been seen much in Upper Darby for more than three decades: Change.
A few years back Mario Civera read the writing on the wall in terms of the township's changing demographic and decided to get out. He gave up his 164th District seat and then ran for and won a seat on County Council. Last November he won another term.
Likewise, Micozzie had represented the 163rd District for more than 30 years. He served 18 years on the township council before that.
Now new faces will represent Upper Darby interests in Harrisburg.
Ironically, it's not just Republicans facing change.
Democrat Margo Davidson won the 164th District seat that Civera gave up. But this spring she will face a serious primary challenge from local attorney Billy Smith, as well as Dafan Zhang.
In the 163rd, Democrat Vince Rongione is the frontrunner for the Democratic nod.
Republicans have not yet tabbed a candidate. It's entirely possible that while the face representing the 163rd may change, the name may not.
Nick Micozzie's son, Tom, the mayor of Upper Darby, likely will be considered for the post.
For more than three decades, the same two dominant personalities represented Upper Darby in Harrisburg.
It's a new era in Upper Darby politics.
Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one is going to be very interesting - on both sides of the aisle.
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