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Commuter Tax To Be Issue In NYC Mayoral Campaign

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Candidates' comments mean that the commuter tax will likely be a hot issue in the campaign for mayor of New York.

The commuter tax died years ago, but it was never really buried. Like a cold snap, it's something that keeps coming back.

Republican mayoral candidate and former MTA chairman Joseph Lhota reportedly told a candidates' forum that the idea is worthy of "open discussion."

Commuter Tax To Be Issue In NYC Mayoral Campaign

Democratic hopefuls Christine Quinn, William Thompson, Bill de Blasio, and John Liu have also voiced support for the concept.

But the idea fell flat with commuters in Scarsdale Friday morning. The Metro-North Railroad pass there is going up to $249 a month.

"The well-heeled commuters don't use much of the city services," one told WCBS 880 reporter Paul Murnane.

"Another attempt at getting income for the city from any source possible," said another commuter.

Revival of the tax would require an okay from the Legislature in Albany, but lawmakers in the suburbs have blocked its return for 15 years now.

Do you support a commuter tax? Sound off below.

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