NYC Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about the Fiscal Year 2011 Executive Budget presented by Mayor Bloomberg today:

“Despite the hovering cloud of uncertainty caused by an overdue State budget, the Mayor has put forth a balanced budget to close the City’s budget gap. Recent events reemphasized public safety as a priority, and the Mayor is doing the right thing in not further reducing the police force, which is already at its lowest headcount in years. Further efforts should also be made to minimize teacher layoffs amidst rising class sizes and the dismantling of fire companies while New York City remains the number one target for terror.

“New Yorkers hate budget cuts but they hate waste in government even more, from the bloated CityTime project – – of which the money already budgeted could actually be used to build more classrooms, keep firehouses running, add more cops to the beat and ensure better care for our seniors – – to the Economic Development Corporation’s hoarding of $125 million owed to the City.

“Working with the Mayor, we will continue to seek additional savings through audits and contract reviews to improve the efficiency in City agencies and ensure that each and every dollar available is maximized.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)