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Joseph Cassidy (1866? – November 21, 1920), sometimes known as "Curley Joe,"〔 was a Democratic politician from Queens, New York City. He wielded a large amount of political power in the early 1900s, although he was frequently accused of abusing this power. Cassidy's first controversy arose when he was elected alderman of Long Island City, Queens while simultaneously holding the appointed office of excise commissioner. Despite this apparent conflict of interest, he did not resign either of the positions, and won the right to hold both jobs after a court battle.〔 He became popular within the Democratic party and in 1902 won the first of two terms as Borough President. Although he was thought of as a political dictator,〔 he presided over a large amount of infrastructure and real estate development in Queens, earning him the nickname "the King of Queens."〔 Despite an annual salary of $5,000 as Borough President, he leveraged these offices to become very wealthy, having amassed a half million dollars in real estate during his tenure.〔Selden, Charles A. ("UNFOLDING A SEWER SCANDAL IN QUEENS; From the Days of "Battle Axe" Gleason, Long Island City's Last Mayor, to Maurice Connolly, Target Of Present Charges, Corruption Has Permeated Politics in This Borough of Modest Homes Manoeuvres for Delay. The Appellate Division's View. Under Fire Seven Years Ago. A Widespread Borough. Orio Sewer Assessment Bill. Phillips, the Sewer Pipe Man. Connolly Once a Reformer. Took Office as Reformers. Gresser's Indictment. The Favorite Graft." ), ''The New York Times'', February 26, 1928. Accessed October 26, 2009.〕 His wealth and spending were well known. In his obituary, ''The New York Times'' wrote:
Cassidy was accused of 47 different counts of financial impropriety by Queens residents during his time in office; these were investigated and 24 were upheld by Mayor Seth Low's administration, but no charges stemming from these accusations were ever brought against Cassidy.〔 Cassidy lost re-election in 1905 to reform candidate Joseph Bermel but remained active in party politics. He still exercised great influence, which he used to his financial advantage. In 1912, he was indicted on charges of attempting to sell a nomination to the New York Supreme Court bench to William Willet for $30,000. Cassidy and Willet were both convicted of the scheme, with Cassidy sentenced to a year in Sing Sing Prison.〔 He was paroled in early 1916 and did not attempt to go back to politics. He was indicted by a Nassau County grand jury in 1920 on gambling charges, but died in his Far Rockaway home of apoplexy later that year.〔 == References == 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Joseph Cassidy (politician)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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