For Release: October 11, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

Costello Introduces Bill to Name Federal Building for Judge William L. Beatty

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) introduced legislation today to name the federal building at 501 Bell Street in Alton after Judge William L. Beatty. Appointed to the Federal Bench by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, Judge Beatty served with distinction as a district court judge until his death this July. Prior to that, he served as a circuit judge in the judicial circuit in Madison County from 1968-1979.

"Judge Beatty's long career was defined by integrity, wisdom and fairness and serves as a great example not only to attorneys, but to every citizen of this country," said Costello. "He was a dedicated public servant. Judge Beatty had a unique way with people - win or lose, they left his courtroom feeling they had been treated fairly."

Born in Mendota, Judge Beatty moved to East St. Louis with his family as a small child. He attended Washington University in St. Louis as an undergraduate and then St. Louis University Law school, graduating in 1950. He served in the Army during World War II and spent almost twenty years in private practice before becoming a judge. He is survived by his wife Jeanne, four children, and seven grandchildren.

Costello is the ranking Democrat on the Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over the naming of Federal buildings.

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