Atlantic City, NJ Councilman Unloads On Mayor Marty Small

Atlantic City Councilman George Tibbitt raised multiple serious issues in a wide-ranging 2-hour, live on-air interview today, Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

Tibbitt raised his concern that a City of Atlantic City insurance contract was awarded in a manner that he believes raises questions.

Tibbitt stated that a company with more experience with Atlantic City had offered a cost that was $ 30,000 less than the company that was selected.

Tibbitt stated that Willis, Tower & Watson (rebranding as WTW) had 8 years of experience with the city vs. 2 years for Fairview, the successful bidder.

Tibbitt advised that “Willis, Tower & Watson is the 3rd or 4th largest company in the world” in their field.

Tibbitt stated that Willis, Tower & Watson’s bid was $ 30,000 less than Fairview.

Tibbitt also confirmed that City of Atlantic City expert Nancy Egrie was not selected to be on the 3-person committee selected by Atlantic City Business Administrator Anthony Swan to review the selection process.

I asked Tibbitt who were the 3 members on the selection committee. Tibbitt stated that the names of the committee members have not been revealed to him.

Tibbitt stated that Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small asked that the process known as “request for qualifications” be followed.

Tibbitt stated on-air that he believes that a fair review under this standard favored the selection of Willis, Tower & Watson.

Instead, the City chose Fairview, who also has been selected previously by the Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority for insurance work.

Willis has purchased the former iconic Sears Tower and have renamed it Willis Tower.

Tibbitt raised a second issue, which involved City owned land and a home being sold “for a few thousand dollars that was worth much more” said Tibbitt.

As it turns out, Tibbitt confirmed that Small durected the sale of the property to a Bangladesh group.

Tibbitt stated that City Council gave the Mayor the permission to address this property at “fair market value.“

Tibbitt advised that the property was “worth at least $ 75,000 and included 2 or 3 apartments above,” said Tibbitt.

Tibbitt also confirmed that a woman offered $ 90,0000 for the property. Tibbitt stated that he brought this “offer” to Swan’s attention … and wanted to distance himself from it … because he didn’t want to get accused of getting too close to the issue.

In the end, Small sold the property to the Bangladesh group for “$ 2,000-$ 3,000,” according to Tibbitt.

Tibbitt also shared that there are two other not-for-profit organizations who are within 1,250 feet of this Florida Avenue near giveaway.

Tibbitt asked for “Swan to include this property in the city auction with other properties that were being sold at fair market value,” said Tibbitt.

Tibbitt did not say so directly … However, the inference was there. These are two matters that the state of New Jersey and others might want to take a further look at.