Anthony Beale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony Beale
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| Member of the Chicago City Council from the 9th ward |
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| Assumed office May 3, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | Melvin Powell Sr. |
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| Born | October 22, 1967 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Dana Beale |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Blackburn College |
Anthony A. Beale (born October 22, 1967) is an American politician. He serves as the alderman for the 9th ward in Chicago, Illinois, United States. An alderman is a person elected to represent a specific area, called a ward, on a city council. This council helps make decisions for the city.
Beale was first elected in 1999. He was one of the youngest people ever elected to the Chicago City Council. In 2023, he was elected for his seventh term in office. In 2013, he also ran for U.S. Congressman but was not elected.
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Early Life and Education
Anthony Beale went to Corliss High School and graduated in 1985. After high school, he attended Blackburn College.
Before becoming an alderman, Beale worked as a computer data analyst. He was also a community activist. This means he worked to improve his local community. For example, in 1999, he supported an effort to make some areas of the 9th ward "dry." This meant that alcohol could not be sold in those areas.
Aldermanic Career
Beale was first elected as alderman for the 9th ward in 1999. He has been reelected many times since then. He won elections in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
When he first won in 1999, it was considered a surprise victory. He defeated Herbert Shaw, whose father had previously held the seat.
Key Focus Areas
During his time as alderman, Anthony Beale has focused on two main things. He has worked to create new jobs in the 9th ward. He has helped bring in new businesses that have created over 4,000 jobs. He has also worked to provide housing for seniors. He has helped bring in more government-supported senior housing than any alderman before him.
Beale has been a member of several important City Council Committees. These committees discuss and decide on different issues for the city. Some of the committees he was part of include:
- Budget & Government Operations
- Rules and Ethics
- Workforce Development & Audit
- Education & Child Development
- Finance
- Public Safety
Important Events
In 2012, there was a report about Beale attending a fundraiser. This event was held by people in Chicago's taxicab industry. It happened just before new rules for the industry were discussed. Beale and Mayor Rahm Emanuel had introduced these new rules.
In the 2019 Chicago mayoral election, Beale supported Lori Lightfoot in the final round of voting. Later, in November 2019, Beale was one of a few aldermen who voted against Mayor Lightfoot's first budget plan. He also became a regular critic of Mayor Lightfoot.
9th Ward Committeeperson
In addition to being an alderman, Anthony Beale also serves as the 9th Ward's committeeperson. This role involves helping to lead the local political party. He first won this position in 2000, defeating Robert Shaw. He has been reelected as committeeperson in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.
Public Service and Community Involvement
Anthony Beale has been involved in many community groups and organizations. He served on the Board for Redevelopment of the Roseland area. He was also President of the 100th Street of Prairie Block Club of Roseland. He was Acting Vice President of the United Block Club of Roseland.
He is also an active member of:
- The Rosemoor Community Association
- The 5th District Advisory Committee
- Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
- The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS)
- Roseland Redevelopment Ad Hoc Committee
- Salem Baptist Church
In 2013, Beale ran in the Democratic primary election for Illinois' 2nd congressional district. He was trying to become a U.S. Congressman. He finished third in that election.
Personal Life
Anthony Beale lives in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. He lives there with his wife, Dana, and their three children. He is a member of Salem Baptist Church.
Whitney Young High School Admission
In 2009, it was reported that Beale's daughter was admitted to Whitney Young High School in 2004. This is a highly selective high school. The school's principal said she had a personal relationship with Beale.
