22 The QUEE NS Courier • december 12, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Liu: A look ahead and a look back BY TONIA N. CIMINO editorial@queenscourier.com ▶politics After 12 years in public service -- and most of his adult career in the private sector -- City Comptroller John Liu says he “hasn’t decided” what he’s going to do next. But, he says, he’s “looking forward to 2014.” The one-time mayoral candidate sat down with The Courier last week to look back on his career -- and to assure us that “no matter where I draw my paycheck from I will be involved in Queens and New York City.” Liu, 46, began his City Council career in 2002, serving two terms before being elected Comptroller in 2009. Over the past four years, which, he said, “went by extremely fast,” his office has saved the city $5 billion through audits, contract reviews, refinancing and other measures. Additionally, thanks to the investment portfolio in city pensions, funds are up 58 percent over the past four years. As for his mayoral campaign, Liu says he “knows we did everything we could” and has “no regrets.” He does, however, say the fact that the Campaign Finance Board denied him $3.5 million in matching funds “eradicated his campaign plan.” “The opportunity to affect change is worth the public beating you take,” he said, adding, “it’s only looking forward at this point.” Councilmembers sworn in Councilmembers Paul Vallone and Costa Constantinides were officially sworn into the City Council on December 10 by City Clerk Michael McSweeney. Vallone, who represents District 19, was accompanied by his brother, term-limited Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. and Constantinides, who represents District 22, was accompanied by Councilmember James Gennaro. The freshmen legislators begin their term January 1. Vallone will have a local inauguration ceremony January 4. Photo courtesy of Twitter Israel swears in board members Congressmember Steve Israel attended the Queens Civic Congress annual legislative reception in Douglaston recently, where he was honored to swear in new board members and discuss key issues with members of the community Photo Courtesy Congressmember Steve Israel Freshmen Councilmembers Paul Vallone (above) and Costa Constantinides were officially sworn into the City Council Photo courtesy Costa Constantinides’ Facebook
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