10 questions for councilman john liu

The New York Daily News has 10 questions for Councilman John Liu:

1. What do you like about your work?

I would not characterize what I do as work. I have a dream job. I wake up every morning excited about the things I get to do.

2. What is the greatest issue facing your district?

To greatly expand mass transit. The Second Ave. T train subway line covering 60th to 100th Sts. (in Manhattan) is being built; the 7 train line extension is in the works. We'll also try to extend the express bus service.

3. What legislation do you want to pass in the near future?

To expand yellow-cab service to more people in the city, especially people who don't live in the met. Hopefully it'll reach the Senate in the fall.

4. What issues has the mayor overlooked in your district?

We desperately need a high school in the Flushing area. The existing high schools are extremely overcrowded. The ideal site is next to the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

5. What does it mean to be the first Asian-American elected city official?

It's not something I think about very often. I'm accustomed to being Asian-American; I've been that my whole life. People have a lot more in common than they have different. That's what I've always tried to emphasize.

6. How did you decide to get into politics?

I have been a community board member and the president of a local civic association. I just got elected into public office somehow.

7. What was the most important part of your education?

Just being in New York City public schools my whole life, from kindergarten through 12th grade. It's really a proud thing to be a product of N.Y.C. public schools.

8. What are your favorite places to eat?

I have breakfast with my 6-year-old son Joey at home before taking him to school. I haven't had lunch for several years, but I enjoy dinner with my wife at Olivo's, a Spanish place in Astoria. They have the best paella.

9. What's your favorite hang-out?

I go to Kissena Park with my son so he can ride his bike and play soccer.

10. What is your main goal in office and what do you hope to leave with?

My goal is increasing the accountability of municipal government to city residents and demanding more accountability from the MTA. When I leave, I want to say I gave my 110%, so the city and my hometown of Flushing are better off.

He's busy man with a plan. Learn more about Councilman Liu here.