José G. Tormos Vega | |
Order1: | 129th |
Office1: | Mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico |
Term Start1: | 2 January 1977 |
Term End1: | 22 February 1984 |
Predecessor1: | Luis A. Morales |
Successor1: | José Dapena Thompson |
Birth Date: | 23 February 1925 |
Birth Place: | Ponce, Puerto Rico |
Death Date: | August 17, 1993 |
Nationality: | Puerto Rican |
Spouse: | Irding Chardón |
Profession: | Politician |
José Guillermo Tormos Vega (born 23 February 1925[1]), known as Joselín, was a Puerto Rican politician and Mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico from 2 January 1977 to 22 February 1984.[2] Tormos Vega is credited with establishing, during his term as mayor, Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes as a museum.[3]
In the November 1976 elections, Tormos Vega defeated the incumbent mayor, Luis A. Morales, by more than 3,000 votes.[4] 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,[5] the renovation of City Hall, and the Coto Laurel village square.[6] He is also credited with establishing, during his term as mayor, Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes as a museum.[7]
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.[8]
Tormos Vega quit his position in 1984 upon being charged with extortion. 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.[9] Tormos Vega died in jail a few years later.[10]
José G. Tormos Vega died on August 17, 1993 at age 68.. He was buried at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Lake Mary, Florida.