Charles Ryan

Who is Charles Ryan?

Charles V. Ryan is a former mayor of the city Springfield, Massachusetts. He served from 1962 to 1967 and again from 2004 to 2008.

Ryan served as the city's mayor during the 1960s for three terms and for two additional terms beginning in 2004, making him the only Springfield mayor to serve in two different centuries. His terms in the 60's occurred during a time of civil unrest and controversial urban renewal projects. Ryan was unsuccessful in preventing the closure of the Springfield Armory, a major economic blow to Springfield that many blamed on then Congressman Edward P. Boland. Ryan ran against Boland for Congress in 1968, but was defeated. After leaving office he became a prominent attorney and continued to be active in public affairs, serving as a member of the downtown economic development group Springfield Central and leading efforts to successfully defeat local referendums favoring casino gambling. He also led successful efforts to place the privately owned Springfield libraries under public control.

He attempted to return to the mayoralty in 1995 but lost to City Councilor Michael J. Albano.