The Vallone dynasty may not have a place in the City Council anymore, but it does in the Adams administration. Former northeast Queens Council Member Paul Vallone now serves as the deputy commissioner for external affairs in Adams’ Department of Veterans’ Services.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced new council committee appointments Thursday with more than a dozen committees to be chaired by Queens representatives.
All but three Queens council members were named to lead committees, which focus on a vast array of issues such as land use, parks, the environment and transportation. Each committee votes on bills before they head to the full council.
Council Members Vickie Paladino, a Republican, and Francisco Moya were not named to chair a committee. Adams will not be leading a committee as she is the council speaker—as is common practice.
Moya, who unsuccessfully battled Adams in a quest to be speaker, will be chair of a new subcommittee focused on COVID Recovery and Resiliency.
“I am proud to announce our City Council’s Leadership, as well as committee chairs and assignments,” Adams said in a statement. “This is the most diverse City Council in history, and each member’s experiences and expertise will shape the important work of our legislative body,”
The committees that are being led by Queens representatives are as follows:
Civil and Human Rights: Nantasha Williams
Contracts: Julie Won
Environmental Protection: James Gennaro
Fire and Emergency Management: Joann Ariola
Governmental Operations: Sandra Ung
Health: Lynn Schulman
Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction: Linda Lee
Parks and Recreation: Shekar Krishnan
Technology: Jen Guitérrez
Transportation and Infrastructure: Selvena Brooks-Powers
Veterans: Robert Holden
Woman and Gender Equity: Tiffany Cabán
