Current Atlantic City, NJ Mayor is an Impediment to Progress

In a more than 2-hour, wide-ranging on-air interview with New Jersey Senator Vince Polistina and Atlantic City Councilman George Tibbitt … major problems and solutions were discussed.

It was a very healthy give and take that took place on Friday, November 1, 2024. If you missed the interview, you can listen on the WPG TALK Radio 95.5 Podcast.

Most everyone agrees that the currently indicted Mayor of Atlantic City, Marty Small is a major problem.

Small simply refuses to properly address violent crime and the other basic functions of government.

This vacuum of leadership has resulted in Atlantic City becoming uncompetitive as a destination resort.

It’s actually gotten so bad that even business that was previously booked has cancelled; because they refuse to hold there events in Atlantic City at this time.

In response to the degradation of the Atlantic City brand, Senator Polistina wants to change the name of Atlantic City International Airport to a regional name; because of Atlantic City’s current bad reputation.

With both Marty and La’Quetta Small facing indictment on serious criminal child abuse charges … Atlantic City’s reputation has taken a beating in the court of public opinion.

The spector of the indicted Smalls, along with the reality that Atlantic City is currently perceived as unsafe and unclean is destroying its viability as a world class destination resort.

The casino industry is suffering in the form of reduced in-person visits. The casino digital platform is performing very well, however, the structure of this side of the business does not allow the casinos to keep much of their digital winnings.

The Atlantic City casinos need increased direct customer business on property.

Polistina also highlighted the competitive disadvantage that Atlantic City faces from a transportation standpoint.

It is difficult and expensive for visitors to get from Philadelphia to Atlantic City.

The homeless and drug problems in Atlantic City were also highlighted and discussed at length.

Polistina favors tapping AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center to take the point here.

This makes perfect sense as AtlantiCare has the behavior health services pedigree required to implant a structured and effective approach to dealing with this serious issue.

A number of other important topics were also addressed, such as properly funding the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.

New York City casinos are coming. This is a critical tipping point in Atlantic City history.