Preceded by Luis A. Morales Spouse(s) Irding Chardon Name Jose Tormos Succeeded by Jose Dapena Thompson | Nationality Puerto Rican Profession Politician Role Puerto Rican Politician | |
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Political party New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico Party New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico | ||
José Guillermo Tormos Vega (February 23, 1925), known as Joselín, was a Puerto Rican politician and Mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico from 1976 to 1984.
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Political life
Tormos Vega defeated the incumbent mayor, Luis A. Morales, by more than 3,000 votes. He was re-elected in 1980. Among the public works projects that took place in the city during his tenure are the construction of the Cruceta El Vigía, and the renovation of City Hall and the Coto Laurel village square.
In 1983, Tormos Vega honored long-time local legend Carlos Garay Villamil for his contributions to the traditions of the city of Ponce in his capacity as a horse-drawn carriage coachman. A plaque has since been added to the front facade of the Ponce City Hall to commemorate the event.
Charged with extortion
Tormos Vega quit his position in 1984 upon being charged with extortion. He was replaced by José Dapena Thompson. He was indicted on October 31, 1985, by a federal grand jury, and tried on May 27, 1988. He died in jail a few years later. He was replaced by José Dapena Thompson, who two and a half years later and in the midst of a hotly debated electoral campaign was forced to resign allegedly to dodge potential criminal prosecution for corruption.