Joe Lhota may not be a declared candidate yet, but that hasn’t stopped New York City mayoral hopeful George McDonald from attacking his possible Republican primary opponent over the latest MTA fare hike.

McDonald released a statement this afternoon criticizing Lhota a day after he announced he would stepped down as MTA chief by the end of the month:

“As Staten Islanders struggle to recover from the devastation wrought by Super Storm Sandy, it is mind boggling that the MTA and its Chairman would approve a $15 cash toll on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Just weeks after Sandy and months after the last Port Authority toll increase, the people of Staten Island deserve economic relief, not another body blow,” said McDonald.

“I’m running for Mayor in large part because I believe in lower taxes, lower fees, and greater opportunity for all New Yorkers. Today it’s clear I’m the only candidate who stands behind those principles. That’s why I’m calling on the MTA and Chairman Lhota to set aside higher tolls on the Verrazano and give Staten Island residents the relief they deserve,” concluded McDonald.

The fare hike — which was not a development that caught transit observers off gaurd — will likely become a major opening for the New York City mayoral field should Lhota push the button on his campaign. Earlier, a backer of Council Speaker Christine Quinn raised the issue even as the news leaked Lhtoa would resign.

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