Dennis Levinson Writes to Governor Phil Murphy: We Have The Letter
EXCLUSIVE
FIRST RELEASE
We have obtained an exclusive copy of a letter that was sent from Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on December 2, 2021. This is the first coverage anywhere about this important communication.
Here’s the letter for you to read first and we’ll share our thoughts afterward.
ATLANTIC COUNTY EXECUTIVE LEVINSON DOESN’T HOLD BACK IN A LETTER TO GOVERNOR MURPHY.
The PILOT, which means in this case that the Atlantic City Casino’s … instead of paying the traditional property taxes, instead (they) make a “Payment in Lieu of Taxes.”
This agreement was essential, as it was crafted during a time of significant contraction in Atlantic City. It was smart, good business. It has provided the Atlantic City Casino industry with tax stability, which they needed to remain healthy.
In his letter to Governor Murphy, Levinson outlines his, “...serious concerns about two bills, S4007, and A5587, that would make changes to the Casino Property Stabilization Act, commonly referred to as the casino PILOT bill,” writes Levinson.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small recently appeared publicly with his senior advisor, former Senator, and New Jersey Superior Court Judge Steve Perskie. They announced their enthusiastic support for the two legislative bills.
Levinson contends that it is good for Atlantic City … but, what’s good for Atlantic City, is not good for all of Atlantic County.
It is Levinson’s contention that the two bills would “significantly hurt the nearly 270,000 Atlantic County taxpayers and violate the integrity of the June 18, 2018 Consent Order for Settlement that was approved by the judiciary and which your Chief Counsel approved on your behalf in open court,” writes Levinson to Governor Murphy.
The required political support appears to be there to pass both bills in the current lame-duck session.
It is always important to remember that the North Jersey potentates have never given up on their grand scheme to have legalized gaming in The Meadowlands and elsewhere.
This would be devastating to Atlantic City and the Atlantic County region and it must be effectively fought at every turn.
If it ever happens, (casino gaming approved in New Jersey beyond Atlantic City) … it would result in the closure of at least 2-3 Atlantic City Casinos.
Economically, Atlantic City and Atlantic County would experience a depression. It would be devastating.
The goal must be to keep the Atlantic County region and the Atlantic City Casino’s healthy. We do so by protecting our leading industry; which also happens to be the state’s leading industry … The Atlantic City Hotel and Casino Industry.
Everyone needs to play it smart.
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