Republican Rep. Bob Turner blasted President Obama’s proposed tax hikes as “counterproductive’’ following a cordial breakfast with Mayor Bloomberg in Queens yesterday.
Turner said he opposed the president’s so-called “Buffett rule’’ — named after billionaire investor Warren Buffett — requiring the wealthy to pay taxes at rates at least as high as the middle class.
“Warren could figure out how much he should pay and send a check,’’ Turner told The Post in a sit-down interview.
“The idea is to encourage investment and reward risk. Tax increases would be counterpro-ductive and cost us jobs and revenue.’’
He added, “The president’s proposal to eliminate charitable deductions would have a devastating effect on charities.”
A bit earlier, Bloomberg and Turner met for about an hour at the Cross Bay diner in Howard Beach.
“I told him to do a good job and represent New York City,” Bloomberg said following the one-hour chit-chat.
Bloomberg said it was the first time he has met Turner, a retired TV executive who shocked the political world by defeating Democrat David Weprin last week.
“We have a lot of friends in common,’’ the mayor said, noting their similar business backgrounds.
Bloomberg had a fruit salad; Turner a muffin.
So, who picked up the $17 tab?
“I did,” Turner said. “That’s the least I could do. The mayor was nice enough to come out here.”


