Joseph Cassidy

Who is Joseph Cassidy?

Joseph Cassidy, 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.

His wealth and spending were well known. In his obituary, The New York Times wrote:

Cassidy's expenditures during his two terms as Borough President were regal.