Peter F. Vallone, Sr. (born December 13, 1934 in New York City) is an American politician.
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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.[1]
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.[2] 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.
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. Vallone, Jr., who succeeded him in the City Council in 2002. In 2005, Vallone endorsed Republican Michael Bloomberg for Mayor of New York City. This year, he endorsed former rival in the mayoral race Mark Green, who attempted to win back the job as Public Advocate this past NYC election.[3]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Thomas J. Cuite |
New York City Council, 20th District 1974–1991 |
Succeeded by Julia Harrison |
| Preceded by Arthur Katzman |
New York City Council, 22nd District 1992–2001 |
Succeeded by Peter Vallone, Jr. |
| Preceded by (none) |
Speaker, New York City Council 1990-2001 |
Succeeded by Gifford Miller |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by Thomas J. Cuite |
Democratic Party Majority Leader, New York City Council 1986-2001 |
Succeeded by Joel Rivera |
| Preceded by Mario Cuomo |
Democratic Nominee for Governor of New York 1998 |
Succeeded by Carl McCall |
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