(A shorter version of
this article originally appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of the Lower East
Side underground/alternative newspaper, “The Shadow”)
Bill de Blasio’s
Peter Vallone Sr./C and V Connection
During the 1990s, de Blasio also served as a senior aide to
a Democratic Speaker of the New York City Council named Peter Vallone, Sr.
Coincidentally, de Blasio’s former boss has, in recent years, been a
“Principal” in the for-profit lobbying firm of Constantinople and Vallone
Consulting LLC [C and V]. As the website
of former Speaker of the New York City Council Vallone Sr.’s C and V lobbying
firm notes:
“Peter Vallone, Sr. is a New Yorker…Vallone served as
Speaker of the New York City Council from 1986 through 2001… As Speaker, Peter
was the City’s top legislator… Peter’s ability to reach all levels of New York
City…government is unparalleled, and his vast experience results in the
achievement of short and long term goals for C and V clients….Peter’s `Safe
Streets — Safe City’ rebuilt the police force from 26,000 to 41,000 officers...
“Constantinople and Vallone Consulting LLC is a results
oriented government relations… firm with a strong record of success…C and V provides customized, hands on consulting services to a select group of
clientele….We at C and V believe that effective government relations is not
just who you know, it's knowing who you need to know. C and Vs principals
bring a unique combination of experience and expertise in the sectors of
government…C and V believes in creating and fostering an open dialogue with
government officials...Constantinople and Vallone guides you through the
entire governmental process…C and V has vast experience in dealing with both
the New York City and State Executive branches and Legislatures…We get you in
the door at every level, from staff to principal…We at C and V utilize the same
strategy that served Peter Vallone, Sr. so well throughout his tenure at the
City Council... For each project that we accept, C and V designs a strategy
that touches all the bases necessary for success…”
So, not surprisingly, an article in the Nov. 17, 2006 issue
of the New York Sun contained the following reference to Donald Trump
and the lobbying firm of De Blasio’s former boss:
“The city is set to grant building permits to developer
Donald Trump to construct a 45-story condominium hotel in SoHo...According to
land use filings, the owners of the SoHo development site include Bayrock
Development, the Sapir Organization, and Zar Realty Management….Over the last
year and a half, Zar Realty has paid more than $150,000 to Constantinople
Consulting, the lobbying firm of a former speaker of the City Council, Peter
Vallone Sr. On behalf of the developer, the firm lobbied the department of
buildings, the planning commission, the City Council, the office of the
Manhattan president, the office of the attorney general, and the office of the
deputy mayor, according to filings with the state….”
Coincidentally, according to the Office of the Public
Advocate website, de Blasio has met at least four times in his public office
with lobbyists from the Constantinople and Vallone firm during his term as New York City ’s Public
Advocate. On Sept. 21, 2010, for example, de Blasio had a meeting with Peter
Vallone and Anthony Constantinople; and on July 27, 2011, Aug. 2, 2011 and Mar.
1, 2012, de Blasio had a meeting with C and V lobbyist Anthony Constantinople
alone.
(end of part 4)
