Vol. 5 No. 2, February 2008
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Atlantic City’s Top 10 Political Priorities
It takes more than rhetoric (or state interference) to ensure real reform
The state of New Jersey has indicated its desire to assist with (read: “take over”) Atlantic City government operations in response to systematic corruption. Three of nine city councilmen have been convicted of crimes and tossed from office. There have been four mayors (Bob Levy, Dominic Cappella, William Marsh and Scott Evans) in the last year. We need help, but state government assistance is a case of the blind leading the blind.
Regardless of how it plays out, one thing is for sure. It is time to clean up Atlantic City corruption and improve the quality of life. Here are the Top 10 political priorities to improve Atlantic City:
1. Cut the budget. Last year’s adopted budget was $193,167,083. That’s a ridiculous amount to spend governing a city of fewer than 50,000 people. The city budget is higher than the county budget (approximately $169,000,000). Everything is in the city budget—except good administrators.
2. Encourage personnel efficiency. Some city departments do not have time cards. Hours need to be calculated more objectively than in sign-in books.
3. End the free buffet. The city should learn a concept: fiscal responsibility. Eliminate the free cell phone extravaganza, do away with the free vehicle bonanza, say goodbye to paid conferences (read: “vacations”) and shut off the free-flowing city gas.
4. Enforce all laws. A good city respects the rule of law. Destroy the sanctuary city, clear the drug haven and clean the streets of dirt and litter.
5. Lift City Hall’s contribution to casino smoking restrictions. If non-smoking is good for business, let casinos make the decision. Smoking restrictions diminish profits while alienating a significant contingent of slot customers. What about employee job security? If it’s a safety issue, are there not more pressing safety issues—for example, shootings on Maryland Avenue?
6. Improve infrastructure. The perpetual flood at West End and Albany Avenues next to Bader Field must end. Add a bulkhead and elevate the road. The anticipated Water Club at Borgata and the Harrah’s expansion will bring increased traffic to the Marina District. Why not anticipate traffic problems rather than sloppily respond to them?
7. Deregulate public transportation. Allow casinos to respond to customer demand and offer free shuttles. Everyone should be subject to the ups and downs of the market economy. It is unjust that city ordinances ensure a Jitney-driven monopoly.
8. Eliminate the needle exchange program. As if myriad pawn shops, massage parlors and prostitutes are not enough, now we give drug users free needles? The new city slogan: “Why buy your own needle, when you can hop on a bus and get one for free in A.C.?”
9. Tackle recidivism. When a man is released from jail, we want to encourage him to stay out of jail.
10. Establish oversight and input. Establish two observing, non-voting representatives of casino gaming on City Council. The gaming industry pays the largest share of City Council’s spending spree. It would be nice for them to see how everyone’s friend gets a job.
