Charlie Dooley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charlie A. Dooley
7th County Executive of St. Louis County
In office October 14, 2003 – January 1, 2015
Preceded by	George "Buzz" Westfall
Succeeded by	Steve Stenger
Mayor of Northwoods, Missouri
In office 1983–1994
Personal details
Born	St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Democratic

Charlie A. Dooley is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He served as the County Executive of St. Louis County, Missouri. He held this important job until January 1, 2015. Mr. Dooley was the first African American to be the County Executive in St. Louis County.

Early Life and Work

Charlie Dooley grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He went to public schools there. He graduated from the Wellston School District. After school, he joined the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged, meaning he left the Army with a good record, in 1968.

After his time in the military, Mr. Dooley started working for McDonnell Douglas. This company is now part of Boeing. He worked there for 30 years. He retired from the company in 1999.

Political Career

Mr. Dooley's journey in politics began in the village of Northwoods. This is where he and his family lived. In 1978, he was elected as an Alderman in Northwoods. An Alderman is like a council member for a town.

In 1983, he was elected mayor of Northwoods. He served as mayor until 1994. That year, he was elected to the St. Louis County Council. He was the first African American to be elected to this council. He was re-elected in 1998 and again in 2002.

In 2000, Mr. Dooley tried to become a member of the U.S. Congress. He ran in the Democratic primary election. However, he lost to Lacy Clay.

Becoming County Executive

In 2003, the County Executive, Buzz Westfall, passed away. Charlie Dooley was chosen to take his place. In November 2004, a special election was held. This election was to finish the rest of Mr. Westfall's term. Dooley won this election. He defeated Gene McNary, who was a former County Executive from the Republican Party.

In 2006, Charlie Dooley was re-elected for a full term as County Executive. He won against the Republican candidate, Joe Passanise. Mr. Dooley received 67% of the votes. In 2010, he was elected for a second full term. He won against the Republican candidate, Bill Corrigan. Dooley received 51.1% of the votes.

On August 5, 2014, Mr. Dooley ran for the Democratic Party candidate again. However, he lost in the primary election to Steve Stenger. His term as County Executive ended on January 1, 2015.