New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has not had a “close connection” with the city’s Jewish community, NYC politician Peter Vallone Jr. told Arutz Sheva.

Vallone, who is running for Queens Borough President, noted that his own ties to the city’s Jewish community are particularly strong. He said he cannot recall an issue on which his views have come into conflict with those of the Jewish community.

“I was the one who first fought to stop the terror trials here in New York City, along with Peter King, and we got that done,” he said.

Vallone noted that his district does not have a large Jewish population. “I’ve actually got a very large Muslim population, which I get along very well with. But I don’t do this for political votes,” he stated.

If he wins the race, he said, “I’m going to have an open dialogue with the Jewish community… I’m going to continue to work with them on every issue that’s important to Israel.”

Vallone also spoke about his visit to Israel and his impressions of the Israeli-Arab conflict, and about how his Catholic faith has impacted his views.