By Bill Parry
Peter Vallone Jr. has a new job.
The former three-term city councilman from Astoria is joining the Cuomo administration as a special assistant to state Correction Commissioner Anthony Annucci next week.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my public safety experience to Albany on issues like proper use of solitary confinement and the safe release of sex offenders,” Vallone said.
He has an extensive law enforcement background as a former assistant district attorney and chairman of the Council Public Safety Committee from 2002-13.
Vallone will not be forced to move to Albany, however. He will stay based in Long Island City and travel around the state.
“Everybody knows my love of Queens and that I wasn’t going to leave,” he said.
Vallone said he is busy tying up loose ends at Vallone & Vallone, the law firm he runs with his father, Peter Vallone Sr., and his brother Paul. Vallone Sr. represented Astoria on the Council from 1974-2001 and served as the Council speaker from 1986-2002. Paul Vallone started serving as a first-time councilman, representing northeast Queens in January.
“I’m taking a leave of absence from the firm. I think I’ll approve that one myself,” he said.
Vallone is a lawyer by profession but he said politics runs in his blood. Last year, he lost the Democratic primary for borough president to Melinda Katz.
“I’m not ruling out a potential run for office, but right now I’m looking forward to helping the governor, who is doing a great job,” Vallone said.
The Republican candidate who opposed Katz, Tony Arcabascio told the TimesLedger Newspapers staff in October that Peter Vallone Jr. would be the next district attorney.
Richard Brown’s 32 years in office may come to an end when his latest term ends in a year and a half and, if he were to retire early, Cuomo would appoint the new DA.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718.260.4538.
