The two newest citywide officials — Comptroller John Liu and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio — made it clear during their inaugurals yesterday that they intend to challenge Mayor Bloomberg on issues ranging from schools to contracts.
Liu, who achieved a historical first by becoming the first Asian-American to represent the entire city, devoted a significant part of his speech to those who paved the path before him, including President Obama.
Liu promised to be an active comptroller and said he’d examine everything from past and present development deals as well as “millions of dollars of no-bid contracts whose justifications are weak at best.”
Bloomberg could be seen politely applauding as Liu spoke — except when he got to the part about the no-bid contracts, which municipal unions charge are rampant at the Department of Education.
Liu bristled when asked later whether he was throwing down the gauntlet for the mayor.
“Wait a second. What are you talking about?” he protested.
“I was not throwing down any gauntlet. This is not the first time I’ve said any of these things,” he said.
Bloomberg mouthed a quiet “thank you” when he heard de Blasio commend him for focusing on education.
But the mayor’s mood quickly changed when de Blasio went on to say that “I am convinced we can do better if we involve the parents of this city more fully.”
Additional
reporting by Sally Goldenberg