Peter Vallone, Sr.

Peter F. Vallone, Sr. (b. December 13, 1934, New York City) is an American politician.

Background

His 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 than were encouraged in the pre-Vatican II era. His mother, Leah Vallone, was a teacher and a Democratic State Committeewoman. His wife, Tena, and he have three children (Peter Vallone Jr., Paul and Perry). They also have 8 grandchildren.

Political views and Education

Peter Vallone attended Fordham University, where he received his BSS (1956) and his LLB (1959).

A former Democratic New York City Councilman who represented Astoria, Queens from 1974 to 2001, he was the second most powerful official in New York City's government, after the mayor, when he became the city's first Speaker of the City Council in 1986. He held that position until Gifford Miller took over in 2002.

Vallone drafted changes to the City Charter in 1989 that he claimed allowed the NYC Council greater say in the matters of the budget.

He was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor in 1998, and for Mayor in 2001.

Post-electoral Career

He currently teaches political science at Baruch College and his biography, Learning to Govern: My Life in New York Politics, From Hell Gate to City Hall, describing his years in government was published. Vallone practices law in Astoria, Queens with his son Peter F.......
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