STATESIDE
Stateside C
Sharon Harris gives it up for Chris Christie
an you define leadership? Everyone’s definition is based on their own life experiences. In 1964, US Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said something similar about pornography when writing about
pornography in films. Stewart said he could not clearly describe pornography, but would know it when he saw it. The same holds true for great leaders who boldly
take action for desired results. I promised to report on Atlantic City’s rebirth as events took shape. They have, and I am dedicating this column to the guy with enough vision and chutzpah to accomplish big things. New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie has
moved reform further in one year than any predecessor in the past 30 years, done with an overwhelmingly Democratic state legislature. Both sides negotiated and compromised. Nationally, Christie has become a superstar for
Christie signed legislation with eight specific provisions, almost unimaginable upon taking office in January 2010. They sidestep the typical bureaucracy
actually doing something in New Jersey. Hopefully, his plan will rejuvenate both Atlantic City’s gaming industry and the regional economy. On February 1, Christie signed legislation with eight specific provisions, almost unimaginable upon taking office in January 2010. They sidestep the typical bureaucracy, but promise state involvement and investment in Atlantic City’s future. Within 90 days, a new Tourism District encompassing visitor attractions will be formed. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) will oversee the district, incorporate the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA) and design a new marketing plan. An initial $5 million contribution will come from the casinos. To modernize and simulate Nevada’s program, the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) will absorb many of the Casino Control Commission’s (CCC) functions, also within 90 days. The two have operated separately since 1976. The CCC will only oversee casino licenses, meaning layoffs for many of the 260 employees, including 144 gaming inspectors. Also eliminated will be state minimum staffing levels
for casino security officers, surveillance personnel and table games supervisors. New technologies that streamline enforcement functions, and the abolishment of a 24-hour DGE presence within every casino property, will also result in DGE layoffs. The state government plans to purge the DGE of at least 115 enforcement positions, effective March 25. While no one wants to see anyone lose a job, change always means some collateral damage. However, a successful new program can create new opportunities for these displaced employees.
10 MARCH 2011
There are already some positive results. First, the dormant Revel casino project will restart with an infusion of financing and a $261 million state tax- reimbursement over 20 years that will improve the neighboring infrastructure. Another big story is that Landry’s, Inc., operator of the Golden Nugget casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin, will buy the Trump Marina this year for $38 million, and spend another $150 million to upgrade the property. Possible smaller boutique hotels are also in the mix. Not everyone is cheering. Atlantic City Mayor
Lorenzo Langford, who also served as mayor from 2002-2005, has criticized the plan. He recently compared the Tourism District’s geographical boundaries to a “modern-day apartheid… one for the haves and one for the have-nots.” He did not attend Christie’s Atlantic City legislation signing. Christie quickly condemned Langford for bringing
race into the discussion, charging these comments were exactly why the state must override the failed status quo and financial mismanagement. I agree. These actions are long overdue. Historically, as far
back to the early 1900s, questionable government has plagued Atlantic City, with multiple city officials landing in prison. New Jersey Superior Court Judge Nelson Johnson
wrote Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City in 2002. He chronicled the 1920s Prohibition years, when Atlantic City flourished under Republican mobster boss Enoch “Nucky” Johnson – no relation – who controlled the resort for 30 years. I recently attended a lecture where Judge Johnson
described a dysfunctional administration during his 1980s tenure as attorney for Atlantic City’s Planning Board. Sadly, he confirmed that the same condition has continued for 30 years. Johnson lamented the leadership’s “lack of
urgency” to continually improve and upgrade Atlantic City, an attitude now coming back to haunt them. Without gaming competition, Atlantic City thrived in spite of itself and its leadership vacuum. Now, Atlantic City finds itself scrambling because of neighboring gaming jurisdictions. Despite an uncertain outcome, most of us who live
and work in the region recognize how critical it is to address that “urgency” now. Just last month, the worst January weather in 16 years meant fewer visitors and another decrease in casino revenues. We must not delay. Fortunately, Christie has answered this urgent call
to tackle the problems. I think he is just the guy to pull off this giant challenge like a true leader. I’ll report on the situation as it progresses.
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