Don’t mess with Gov. Paterson.
The embattled governor challenged lawmakers who oppose a plan to toll city bridges to a street fight — telling a Midtown crowd today that he’s willing to “step outside” with those who have shot down the MTA bailout plan.
During a luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria, Paterson, speaking to transit advocacy groups, told the crowd that the plan put together by former MTA boss Richard Ravitch to toll the East and Harlem river bridges would benefit the cash-strapped transit agency.
“I just want to put on record how much I opposed [the criticisms],” Paterson said, moments before presenting Ravitch with a lifetime achievement award.
“I’m sure none of you were the ones who did it.”
In a new version of the plan released earlier this week, Paterson called on tolling the now-free 13 crossings about $2 — except those traveling for medical purposes or business-related reasons — and slap non-Manhattan residents who rent out spaces in parking garages would see a 10 percent parking tax increase.
Those funds would go to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who just last month voted to increase bus and subway fares 50 cents to a whopping $2.50 a ride and cut service as part of a plan to close a $1.2 billion deficit.
Paterson challenged opponents of the plan — who he did not specify by name — to a street fight.
“I’m looking for who did – and maybe after this event, we’ll step outside,” said Paterson to loud applause.
Then he added, “I do have that visual problem — so that would make it a fair fight.”
Paterson was referring to comments on Wednesday by State Se. Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn), who helped kill the first toll proposal last month.
Kruger likened the proposal to the “plans of a lunatic.”
“Do I have to bring a note from the doctor and bring it to Richard Ravitch?” Kruger said. “It’s a flight of mental instability and it sounds like the death rattle of a dying idea.”