Hurley: The Never Before Told Story About AC Mayor Marty Small

HARRY HURLEY OPINION - EDITORIAL

This was written on November 3, 2021. It was our prediction before the polls closed.

We are presenting, again with no edits whatsoever.

In just a few hours, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small will have won his 7th election in two years.

it’s unprecedented and for all I know, this is an all-time record in American political electoral history.

Yes, I’m calling the race for Mayor of Atlantic City, hours before the polls close.

BACKGROUND:

Marty Small had a very nice six-figure executive position with a public charter school named Principle Charter School Academy.

He had previously lost his position within the Atlantic City Public Schools System in what must be described as a “political hit.”

Of interesting note, Small’s wife, Atlantic City First Lady La’Quetta Small is now Atlantic City Superintendent of Public Schools.

Marty Small could have played it safe and stayed put. He was well thought of by Peter Caporilli and the Principle Charter School Academy, located in Egg Harbor Township.

Instead, Small decided to go big or go home!

At this time, Small and The Craig Callaway Organization were on somewhat neutral terms … neither side was doing the other harm.

For the first time, Small had Callaway’s support in an election. This fragile detente would be very brief.

ELECTION # 1 - THE JUNE, 2019 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION

Small ran unopposed for re-election to his 2nd Ward Atlantic City Council Seat. This was a pivotal election for Small, as he also remained the President of City Council.

When there is a vacancy for Mayor of Atlantic City, the Council President immediately becomes “Acting Mayor,” while also remaining Council President.

During this time, Small held incredible power over both the legislative and executive branches.

ELECTION # 2 - THE NOVEMBER, 2019 GENERAL ELECTION

Small was already the Acting Mayor, but, it was too late to take him off of the ballot for 2nd Ward Council seat.

Small won the General Election for 2nd Ward Council and a 4-year term.

By January 1, 2020, Small had to decide … take his 2nd Ward seat and return to his previous Charter School position … or, give up a fresh 4-year term and remain Mayor for a very short term.

Small chose to remain as Mayor of Atlantic City. He took the obviously less “safe” approach.

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ELECTION # 3 - THE CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT BALLOT QUESTION ON MAY 12, 2020

The change of government ballot question and campaign to change Atlantic City government was well funded - yet, the city voters rejected it with an 81 percent mandate. The citizens voted to keep the same Mayor - Council form of government.

After this victory, whereby Small and Craig Callaway got together for the ballot question issue … they instantly became political opponents again for the Democratic Primary Election for Mayor.

Small defeated Pam Fields with 65 percent of the vote. The Callaway’s supported Fields, or, Small’s margin of victory would have been even greater.

This election was to fill the unexpired term of former disgraced Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam, who resigned because of political corruption charges.

ELECTION # 4 - JUNE, 2020 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION

Small won garnering 65 percent of the vote.

ELECTION # 5 - NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION

Small won with 71 percent of the vote versus Republican challenger Tom Forkin.

ELECTION # 6 - JUNE 8, 2021 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION

Mayor Small defeated Tom Foley, winning 81 percent of the vote.

ELECTION # 7 - NOVEMBER 2, 2021 GENERAL ELECTION

The polls don’t close until 8:00 p.m. tonight, but, make no mistake about it … when all of the votes are counted, Small will finally win a 4-year term as Mayor of Atlantic City.

I guarantee (and, I rarely make guarantees) … that Small will win by a very wide margin.

Small is running today in a very crowded field, as follows: