Peter Vallone Sr.

Background and education

Peter Vallone Sr. was the first Speaker of the New York City Council to be born in the borough of Queens in New York City. Vallone's father, Judge Charles J. Vallone (1901–1967) of the Queens County Civil Court, encouraged young Peter to broaden his horizons beyond the limited social interactions with other ethnic and religious groups that were discouraged in the pre-Vatican II era. His mother, Leah Palmigiano Vallone, was a teacher and a Democratic State Committeewoman.

Vallone attended Fordham University, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1956 and his law degree in 1959.

Political career

A Democrat, Vallone represented Astoria, Queens on the New York City Council from 1974 to 2001. He became the first Speaker of the City Council in 1990, serving in that capacity until 2001.

Vallone drafted changes to the City Charter in 1989 that he claimed allowed the Council more influence on the budget.

Vallone was an unsuccessful candidate for governor in 1998. As the Democratic nominee, he received 1,570,317 votes (33.16%), losing to Republican incumbent George Pataki. Vallone was also notably the first ever candidate endorsed by the Working Families Party, with the party receiving 51,325 votes for Vallone via fusion voting.

Vallone also ran for Mayor of New York City in 2001, placing third in the Democratic primary.

Later career

Vallone has taught political science at Baruch College. His autobiography, Learning to Govern: My Life in New York Politics, From Hell Gate to City Hall, described his years in government. He practices law in Astoria with his son, Peter Vallone Jr., who succeeded him in the City Council in 2002. After he retired from politics, Vallone founded a lobbying firm with a partner, Constantinople and Vallone

In 2005, Vallone endorsed Republican Michael Bloomberg for Mayor of New York City. In 2009, he endorsed a former rival in the mayoral race, Mark Green, who attempted to win back the job of Public Advocate.

Personal life

Vallone married his wife, Tena, in 1958. The Vallones have three children (politician and judge Peter Jr., attorney and politician Paul, and Perry) and several grandchildren.

Electoral history

References

References

1. (November 26, 2012). "Permanent Record: The orphan who became the matriarch of one of New York's most powerful political families.". Slate.
2. (August 20, 2001). "QUEEN’S FORTUNATE SON SAVVY POL VALLONE ALSO BLESSED WITH GOOD LUCK".
3. (April 28, 2010). "Fordham U. Honors Vallone Sr. And Camarinos".
4. (December 11, 2014). "Former New York City Council Speaker Honored at City Hall".
5. Lewis, Rebecca. (September 25, 2020). "Why NYC Council speakers never become mayor, or anything else".
6. "1998 Gubernatorial General Election Results - New York".
7. (January 6, 2014). "Dan Cantor's Machine".
8. (October 11, 2001). "2001 PRIMARY ELECTION - STATEMENT AND RETURN OF THE VOTES FOR THE OFFICE OF MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK".
9. "Peter Vallone Sr {{!".
10. "All's forgiven as Mark Green's 2001 foe Peter Vallone Sr. Endorses him".
11. (September 17, 2013). "Vallone family has long been a force in Queens politics".
12. "LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Peter F. Vallone, Sr. for his commitment to preserving Italian American heritage".