Liu: If Elected Comptroller, I'd Like Klein Out

New York, NY —

Queens Councilman John Liu says if he's elected as the city's next comptroller, he'd like to see Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, out. The comptroller has no role in deciding who's chancellor, but Liu says the latest mayoral control bill gives the controller a new role in monitoring school spending.

LIU: At least going forward the comptroller will have binding authority on contracts as well as other parts of the Department of Education's budget, again the largest item in the city's budget.

Lie was speaking on the Brian Lehrer show. The primary is September 15th. Liu, and Council Members Melinda Katz, David Weprin, and David Yassky are vying for comptroller.

To avoid a run-off, the primary winner must get at least 40 percent of the vote next Tuesday. The ultimate winner of the Democratic primary will face GOP Comptroller hopeful Joe Mendola, a lawyer with a background in financial compliance.