Lovefest: Katz and the Vallones

Vallone and Katz Endorse Each Other

Vallone excited the large crowd by introducing and announcing the mutual endorsement of Melinda Katz (D) Councilwoman District 29, who is running for New York City Comptroller. Katz and Vallone expressed appreciation and importance of each other's support for their respective Democratic Primary Campaigns.


From the Queens Campaigner:

City Councilwoman and Comptroller hopeful Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills) picked up endorsements from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and former Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., her campaign announced Tuesday.

“The city is lucky to have so many qualified candidates running for citywide office this year, but there is no one more qualified than Melinda Katz,” said Vallone in a statement. “I’ve always thought that land use is the most important function of the City Council and she has shown such great leadership and integrity as chairwoman of the Land Use Committee. I have no doubt that Melinda is the right candidate to lead the city during these very difficult economic times.”

Vallone, whose law firm specializes in real estate, and Katz, the Land Use Committee chairwoman, have crossed paths many times before and recently worked closely together on the redevelopment of Willets Point. Vallone was representing some of the largest Willets Point businesses at Willets Point and had been lobbying hard against the plan before an 11th-hour deal was brokered between the city, Council members and three of Vallone’s largest clients — House of Spices, Fodera Foods and Tully Construction.

The Land Use Committee and Katz, who previously had said she had reservations about the project, voted to approve the project the next morning.