Rufus Elefante

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Rufus Pasquale Elefante
Boss of the Utica, New York political machine
Chairman of the Utica Democratic Committee
In office
1928–1980s
Personal details
Born(1903-04-11)April 11, 1903
DiedNovember 15, 1994(1994-11-15) (aged 91)
OccupationPolitical boss,

Trucker

Activist

Rufus Pasquale "Rufie" Elefante (April 11, 1903 – November 15, 1994) was an American political boss from Utica, New York.[1][2]He was in control of the Democratic political organisation, that managed Utica's inner workings. During his reign from the 1930s up until the 1950s, Utica was known as "Sin City", because of Elefante's corruption and his suspected involvement in organized crime. [3]

Originally, a devoted Republican, who worked as a trucker, he rose to power during the late 1920s and garnered the political support of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who helped him climb up the political ladder and eventually become the most powerful figure in Oneida County.[4]

Early life and career[]

Rufus Pasquale "Rufie" Elefante was born in Utica on April 11, 1903, the son of Pasquale and Angela Marie Pacillio Elefante. [1]Always riled by how he believed Italian-Americans were inequitably treated in the city, he began to champion their cause, working to improve their lot particularly in the attainment of better employment without wage discrimination. [1] At first, he did this with connections to the Republican Party, but in 1928, he switched allegiance to the Democratic Party and quickly became a powerful member of it, slowly attaining party leadership — know then as machine politics headed by a party boss. [1]

Boss of Utica and later years[]

On 1928, Elefante supported Franklin D. Roosevelt in his quest for New York Governorship and managed his campaigns in Utica. Elefante found a prominent lifelong ally in Roosevelt. [1]

Elefante's power reached its zenith during the 1930s up until the 1960s, when he became a key element in the New York Democratic Party affairs and he ruled Utica, using a corrupt criminal and political system, relying on patronage. [1] During Elefante's reign, Utica's industries prospered and criminal elements had a strong presence in the city. Utica's most powerful mob bosses included American Mafia boss Salvatore Falcone, his brother, Joseph, and possibly Elefante himself. [5]

Utica's population today is very close to the half of its population, under Elefante's reign. However, Elefante has remained a very controversial figure in Utica politics.[1]

Elefante died on November 15, 1994. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery. [1]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Kobryn, Nancy (1995). Guts and glory, tragedy and triumph : the Rufus P. Elefante story. Mid-York Library System: Steffen Pub. p. 61. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  2. ^ Herbers, John (1989-03-26). "THE REGION; Tales From Elsewhere: Entering the New Era Of Municipal Rule". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
  3. ^ "Annette apologizes for calling Utica " Sin City of the East "". Lakeland Ledger. October 27, 1983.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ Cardanelli, Malio J. (August 29, 2010). ""Guest view: There's no denying that 'Rufie' left his mark on Utica"". Observer-Dispatch. GateHouse Media. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Day 4: Mob files". Observer Dispatch. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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