Atlantic County, NJ Executive Levinson Makes Reelection Decision

We have exclusively confirmed that Atlantic County, New Jersey Executive Dennis Levinson has made a formal decision about whether he will seek reelection this year.

Levinson is the longest serving Executive in Atlantic County history … since 2001.

Levinson will be placing his name on the ballot this upcoming November 7, 2023, when he will seek an unprecedented 6th term as County Executive.

We caught up with Levinson, who confirmed that he will be enthusiastically seeking reelection stating, “As I've said many times throughout my tenure, I am extremely proud to serve as the county executive of the finest run county in New Jersey."

Levinson is not alone in this assessment.

Former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney has called Atlantic County, “the finest run County in New Jersey,” said Sweeney on the airways of Townsquare Media Atlantic City.

Sweeney was the longest serving New Jersey state Senate President in history, until his defeat two years ago to now New Jersey Senator Edward Durr.

Under Levinson, Atlantic County has earned a reputation for being frugal with the taxpayer dollars. This philosophy of governance is combined with low debt and maintaining a stable tax rate.

"The accomplishments we've achieved did not occur in a vacuum," said Levinson. "They are the result of the hard work and dedication of our county workforce as well as the cooperation of our elected officials and community partners,” said Levinson.

One of the Jewels in the Crown of Levinson‘s tenure as county executive was to achieve a diversification of the Atlantic County, Southern New Jersey economy.

Prior to this, the Atlantic County region’s economy saw all of its “eggs” being placed in the casino industry “basket.”

"After 100 years of talking about diversifying the economy beyond hospitality and tourism, we did it! We took a risk and built the first building at the aviation park without any prospective tenants. That building is occupied by the FAA, NASA, General Dynamics, Thunderbolt and Woolpert Aviation, among others," said Levinson.

”We now have growing interest from additional companies that see the opportunities and advantages of working in proximity to the FAA and the airport. As a result, we are clearing land for a 40,000 square foot second building and expect to break ground by the end of the year,” said Levinson.

Over the past more than 20 years, Levinson has won by a wide margin during each 4-year election cycle … including running unopposed twice.

There is no word as yet as to who (the Democratic Nominee) that Levinson will face in the General Election will be.

Levinson has detailed other working relationships that have proven to be effective and beneficial to the County of Atlantic.

"We also have partnerships with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Rowan and Rutgers universities, Stockton and Atlantic Cape Community College. Aviation education and training programs are available at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology high school to help teach students about opportunities in this field, right here in Atlantic County. We don't want our best and brightest to have to leave New Jersey to find lucrative careers,” said Levinson.

Levinson’s elective public service directly intersects with his personal life. His wife, two sons and daughter all live in Atlantic County.

"I want to provide them with an affordable and desirable place to live for many years. My goal has always been to put the best interests of the taxpayers first, and that is what I will continue to do,” said Levinson.

A major battle that Levinson has been waging for years is the state of New Jersey PILOT legislation, which is the acronym for ”payment in lieu of taxes.”

Levinson has always believed that Atlantic County taxpayers got the short end of the stick in terms of lost revenue.

Levinson has been litigating this matter for years. Levinson has won three court decisions, however, the state of New Jersey continues to appeal each judicial decision.

"All of this costs time and money, neither of which the state seems to have any concern for," said Levinson. "We are without the benefit of nearly $10 million owed to us by the state over the past two years. As well as we are doing, imagine how much better our taxpayers could be with an additional $10 million,” said Levinson.

Levinson also takes great pride in the county of Atlantic being the first in the state to provide defibrillator’s in each and every county emergency vehicle.

Levinson attributes this investment as responsible for saving hundreds of lives.

Levinson loves being County Executive and expressed to us his desire to continue.

"I have been a good and productive employee who has helped move Atlantic County forward, but my work is not yet done. I trust our residents will vote to rehire me so we can achieve even more and provide an Atlantic County that future generations will be proud to call home,” concluded Levinson.