sentences:  He was the longest-serving mayor until 1975, when his immediate successor, John M. Belk, tied him by winning his fourth re-election, though Belk's fourth term would be extended another six months thanks to a change in state law.A native of Troutman, North Carolina, Brookshire graduated from Duke University and came to Charlotte as a newspaper reporter.He led the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce (as would Belk) prior to becoming mayor.