Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. said he hopes his stance as a conservative Democrat will appeal to Queens voters. Photo Courtesy of Peter Vallone’s Campaign
Last Thursday afternoon, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) had settled into a coffee shop miles from his office on 31st Street – and, for a moment, away from a race that has become increasingly mired in a pile of insults.
But, even in the confines of a Starbucks on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, it wasn’t long before Vallone was interrupted mid-sentence as he discussed why he chose to run for Queens borough president – and brought back into the ever-contentious world of election politics.
On the other end of the line was a representative from the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, informing him of and explaining the union‘s decision to endorse his Democratic opponent Melinda Katz instead of him.
“That could’ve went better,” Vallone said shortly after ending the phone conversation, which lasted a few minutes. “It’s surprising and it isn’t surprising. If it were based on the fact that I’ve stood together with them for the last 12 years to stop firehouse closings as public safety chair, it’s clear they should back me.
“But it’s not surprising that once [the Queens County Democratic organization] endorses a candidate, they bring a lot of influence and a lot of unions succumb to that,” added the 52-year-old, who has received the corrections officers endorsement, among others. “It’s expected. It’s not like I’m going to worry about it; I have public safety credentials.”
Moments later while scanning his phone, Vallone made a list: 24 new emails, six missed text messages and a couple of missed calls. Seemingly habitually, his attention shifted to a message intended for “Dadster” from “Swoosh,” Vallone’s youngest daughter, Caroline, whose nickname stems from her volleyball prowess.
Vallone is quick to tout and push his public safety and small business fortes (he previously worked for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and ran his family’s law firm) as reasons why he should be Queens’ next borough president. Yet, it’s talk regarding his family that can genuinely dominate a conversation.
“All of a sudden [family] brings you back to reality, and I don’t really care what false accusations were just made about me anymore,” Vallone said. “I have two great kids, and they’re healthy. What else is there to worry about?”
Vallone has found support through his family relationships – perhaps more than ever – recently as accusations and insults have increased from his opponents during what has become a four-person race, including Republican Tony Arcabascio, state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) and Katz, an attorney and former Democratic Council member who represented the Forest Hills area.
“I’m generally a very happy guy and I have the two greatest daughters in the world so I don’t let it bother me,” Vallone said. “And like the rest of Queens, I don’t pay much attention to Tony Avella.”
The state senator accused Vallone of cheating on questions through text messages during a recent forum in Jackson Heights.
Vallone denied the accusation, and said he was texting his daughter, who needed a ride home.
Avella isn’t the only one who has taken a shot at Vallone recently.
“Tony called me a coward and then a bully, and I’m not even sure you can be both, and he called me a cheater,” Vallone said. “And then Melinda’s campaign said my views are from the 19th century. Apparently, if you don’t support abortion on demand in the delivery room then your views are from the 19th century.”
Vallone describes his own way of thinking as that of a conservative Democrat, a title that few politicians claim in the city. For example, Vallone is adamant that a pair of newly-passed bills regarding the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk policy and public safety oversight must be vetoed. He said stop-and-frisk could be done but acknowledged that it must be done legally.
“I’m an old-fashioned Democrat, and there aren’t that many of us left,” Vallone said. “There just aren’t any Democrats in New York City with small business experience and I am one. Most Democrats come from activist backgrounds and public service backgrounds, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I think you need real-life experience for this job.”
Like many Republicans, the lifetime Astoria resident opposes increased fines and taxes for small businesses: “I’ve always been a less government, less taxes, less spending kind of guy,” he said.
But he’s also an animal rights activist who passed the “dog tethering bill,” which limits the type of collars that can be used and how long animals can be tied-up. And, as one who is mindful of environmental issues, he is trying to get fluoride out of the water supply, which he said, “puts me on the liberal end.”
“There’s no box you can put me in,” Vallone added.
It’s perhaps the main reason why Vallone wants to represent Queens as borough president: He believes his views and “realist” approach is what’s needed.
“I’m not one of those elected officials, where if I’m not elected then my life is over,” Vallone said. “If I win, I’d be extremely honored to represent Queens, and if I don’t win I’m going to be fine. I have a great family and I’m still going to work to improve my community wherever I wind up.”
As Vallone rose from his chair at the coffee shop in South Queens, he scanned his calendar and noted he’s going to be away from his campaign at the end of August, a couple weeks before the Sept. 10 primary, because his daughters are moving into their dorms at the University of Notre Dame that weekend.
“You have to have your priorities in order,” he said. “It keeps you centered. County set this up as a way to make this as difficult as possible for me. Despite that, I’m confident we’ll win this.”
By Will Sammon
