By Colin Campbell 3/11 8:44pm

Vallone Zone

Congressman Crowley addresses the crowd.

Peter Vallone Vows to Continue Voicing Loud Viewpoints as Queens B.P.

Earlier this evening, outspoken Councilman Peter Vallone officially launched his campaign for campaign for Queens Borough President. And, standing before an incredibly packed Greek restaurant in Astoria, both Mr. Vallone and his supporters made sure everyone was fully aware of the self-described conservative Democrat’s independent streak.

“He was able to stand up to the Speaker when she was trying to bully him,” said Norman Seabrook, the President of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association who officially endorsed Mr. Vallone today. “Can you imagine what he would do as borough president when given the opportunity to step forward, not only for the people in this room, but this borough? He is truly a man indicative of being able to become one of the greatest of all time.” Read More

By Ross Barkan 1/17 10:35am

Ballpark Buddies

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The New York Mets and Major League Soccer Jump Into the Queens Beep Race

State Senator Jose Peralta, regarded as one of the front-runners in the hotly contested race for Queens Borough President, has the subtle backing of New York Mets and Major League Soccer executives, according to his latest disclosure  statements.

Peralta’s district includes Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and Willets Point, where the real estate company headed by Mets owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz won a high-profile bid–along with Related Companies–to turn the auto repair shop haven into a shopping and housing complex. The long-delayed Willets Point project is not without controversy, though Mr. Peralta and the Queens Democratic establishment are in support of the development. Read More

By Colin Campbell 10/11/12 8:57am

inimitable angel

Curtis Sliwa (Photo: Getty)

Curtis Sliwa Describes His Role on Melinda Katz’s Campaign

Councilwoman Melinda Katz formally kicked off her campaign for Queens Borough President last night, and in attendance among the Democratic pols and donors was her boyfriend, Curtis Sliwa, the outspoken radio show host and television personality, dressed in his customary Guardian Angels uniform and red beret. Since he has a rather unique relationship with Ms. Katz, we thought to ask him about his role in her campaign.

“I’ve been assigned to do everything, which means I’m good at nothing. Which means, ‘Stay out of the way Curtis, don’t embarrass me in front of my fellow Democrats,’” he answered. “I would say, based on my many statements throughout the years about Democrats, I’ve had to be extraordinarily careful when, all of a sudden, I come eyeball-to-eyeball with someone who’s eye-fornicating me for something I’ve said for six years ago and I’ve got to suck it up, when normally I’d never suck it up. But for the good of the campaign, I’ve got to suck it up.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 10/10/12 2:43pm

king of queens

crowley peralta

Joe Crowley Plays the Field for Queens Borough President

Former Councilwoman Melinda Katz is kicking off her campaign to replace term-limited Borough President Helen Marshall at Portofino Ristorante in Forest Hills tonight. Joining her will be none other than the man who leads the Queens Democratic Party, Congressman Joe Crowley. However, his presence at her party doesn’t necessarily imply Mr. Crowley is backing Ms. Katz in the crowded field.

Indeed, a reader passes along a kickoff event invitation for State Senator José Peralta’s campaign for Ms. Marshall’s job as well, which Mr. Crowley is also attending. Read More

By Colin Campbell 4/25/12 2:08pm

king of queens

State Senator Peralta (Photo: Facebook)

Jose Peralta Openly Fundraising for Queens Borough President Campaign

Last month, State Senator José Peralta formed a campaign committee for a possible run for Queens Borough President, and, at least according to fundraising requests being circulated on his behalf, he seems to be moving forward with his campaign.

In an email from political consultant Greg Petzold, which a reader said was being sent to organizations and non-profits in Queens, Mr. Petzold directly indicates Mr. Peralta is campaigning for the borough presidency. Read More