At the City Hall press conference where he announced his candidacy for city comptroller, City Councilmember John Liu thanked supporters. Photo Dan Miller/DMD Images City Councilmember John Liu, flanked by almost 100 supporters, stood on the steps of City Hall on Sunday morning, March 8 to announce that he would run for New York City comptroller, the office that William Thompson will vacate to run for mayor in the election scheduled for fall 2009. Joining Liu were a handful of city officials who spoke in support of Liu, chairman of the council Transportation Committee.

"John with his extensive fiscal management experience at Price-Waterhouse Cooper and his strong commitment to serve all New Yorkers, is the best candidate for Comptroller," Congressmember Nydia Velazquez (DBrooklyn/ Manhattan) said.

"John's story is an American story. [He] immigrated to New York with his family as a child. John's family settled in Flushing and has worked hard to make sure that John and his brothers have all the opportunities to succeed. John understands the needs of everyday New Yorkers and he will serve us with distinction," former First Deputy Police Commissioner Hugh Mo said.

"John is a champion and independent watchdog for all New Yorkers in communities throughout the city," added Councilmember Al Vann from Brooklyn.

Councilmember Alan Gerson, a friend of Liu, said, "John recognizes that city government must do more to effectively serve and improve the lives of all New Yorkers."

Liu came to the podium as his supporters, chanted, "John Liu, John Liu, John Liu".

"My lifelong commitment to serve my community and this great city, along with my experience in finance and on the city council for the past eight years, are major reasons why I am running for comptroller," Liu told the crowd.