Charles E. Beatley Politician
Charles E. "Chuck" Beatley, Jr. (1916 – December 29, 2003) was an American politician who was the mayor of Alexandria, Virginia. A native of Ohio, Beatley earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio State University in 1938, flew military planes to overseas bases during World War II, and received his master's degree in 1947 before marrying and beginning a career as a commercial pilot.Elected to the Alexandria City Council in 1966 as a Democrat, Beatley became mayor the following year, and served until 1976, when he was defeated by former Virginia delegate Frank E. Mann, who ran as an Independent. After retiring from United Airlines, Beatley ran again for mayor at the urging of local Republicans and Democrats, was elected in a landslide, and served until 1985. Beatley became known for preserving Alexandria's historic heritage while revitalizing its business district, as well as for promoting both local and regional public transportation as a board member of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library in Alexandria is named in his honor.