1. Joseph Bermel was a Democratic politician who served as borough president of Queens, New York City, from 1906 to 1908.
11 Facts About Joseph Bermel
1. 2.
Joseph Bermel is best known for resigning from the post of borough president for his involvement in a corruption scandal, upon which he fled the country in 1908.
3.
Joseph Bermel quickly became involved in politics, and in the 1890s was town supervisor in Newtown.
4.
When Queens consolidated with New York City in 1898, Joseph Bermel pursued appointments at the borough level.
5.
Joseph Bermel became an ally of early machine politician Joseph Cassidy and served as his Commissioner of Public Works when Cassidy was elected Borough President.
6.
In 1905, Cassidy was seeking a third term as Borough President, but Joseph Bermel had his own plans for the office.
7.
Joseph Bermel announced his own candidacy, running on a fusion ticket under the Republican and Independence League parties.
8.
Joseph Bermel proved to be almost as effective as Cassidy in wielding political power, and was quickly suspected of corruption.
9.
Joseph Bermel was largely responsible for the city's purchase of land for the creation of Kissena Park in Flushing.
10.
Joseph Bermel gave testimony in the morning, but was given permission to leave upon his promise to return by 2 o'clock that afternoon at the courthouse in Long Island City.
11.
Joseph Bermel never faced charges stemming from his time in office.