Charles Ryan

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Charles V. Ryan is the current mayor of the city Springfield, Massachusetts. He was elected to be the city's mayor in 2003 following the decision of the city's previous mayor, Michael Albano, not to seek reelection. He defeated State Senator Linda Melconian.

Ryan's administration has been somewhat controversial as it began months before the city was put under the State Finance Control Board. This was a much criticized decision, and though the board itself remains controversial, many now agree that Ryan's hands were tied by circumstance.

In November 2005, Ryan won reelection defeating the city's School Committee Vice-President, Thomas Ashe.

Ryan also served as the city's mayor during the mid-sixties for three terms. His terms then occurred during a time when there was fear that growing civil unrest would eventually spill into the city. These fears proved to be unfounded.