Atlantic City Weekly

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With no equivocation, New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney said that as long as he is the president there will be no Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) bill introduced in the Senate. This comes on the back of Sen. Jim Whelan’s letter to Gov. Chris Christie saying he will not allow a VLT bill to be introduced into the state government, Gaming and Tourism Committee he chairs. Sweeney made his proclamation at a recent meeting of the Atlantic City Regional Chamber of Commerce (ACRCC). Whelan wrote his letter the day after Christie reneged on his promise to not allow VLTs anywhere in the state.

At the ACRCC meeting, Sweeney unequivocally let it be known that he will do all in his power to aid and assist in revitalizing Atlantic City and its environs. He said there needs to be changes in casino legislation that has become outdated. To me, the second most important statement he made was when he stated that Atlantic City International Airport (ACIA) is a tremendous asset to southern New Jersey and there needs to be more airlines using the facility. Sweeney said he brought other legislators to the airport and noted to them that you can put Newark Airport, LaGuardia Airport and possibly another on the vast area of land that is available at ACIA. Just a few days after Sweeney’s remarks, Christie said that he would favor putting the ACIA under the control of the New Jersey/New York Port Authority. Although I believe that the South Jersey Transportation Authority has done an excellent job of promoting the airport and getting additional airlines to use it as a base, this concept might help steer additional flights from Newark and LaGuardia to ACIA.

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, both Sweeney and Whelan appeared on my radio show. Sweeney reiterated his comments at the Chamber meeting and then answered questions from the public. Many of the questions dealt with the Revel Casino project. Sweeney said that he and Sen. Raymond Lesniak are the sponsors of a bill that will create a Tax Increment Financing Program that will make funds available for construction or development of projects throughout the state. The Revel complex fits the qualifications for some $300 million to aid in the completion of their venue. They believe, as I do, that Atlantic City direly needs a new property at this time and they said they would do all they could to aid and assist in its completion.

For your information, elected officials have established regular visits to my radio show. The following are the dates and times for their scheduled appearances: Assemblyman Vince Polistina appears at 4pm the first Tuesday of each month; A.C. Mayor Lorenzo Langford or one of his cabinet members will appear at 5pm the first Wednesday of each month; Assemblyman John Amodeo appears at 4pm on the third Tuesday of the month; Sen. Whelan appears at 5pm on the third Wednesday of each month; and Sen. Jeff Van Drew appears at 5pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is no set date yet for Sen. Sweeney or County Executive Dennis Levinson, but we plan to have them on. The appearances of these legislators give you an opportunity to pose questions that you have about governmental affairs. I urge you to participate. People complain they can’t get to their elected officials. Pinky’s Corner is one place they will appear on a regular basis to respond to your questions.

ACRCC Advocates Change

At the ACRCC’s recent meeting, board chairman Ken Calemo stated that they are committed to increasing investment and employment opportunities in Atlantic County, working with Atlantic City and correcting the problems in relation to the recent audit and remaining committed to the Revel project completion. The group is also committed to lending their unqualified support of appropriate incentives, such as tax increment financing and support of the NextGen Aviation Research and Development Park, ensuring a fair and consistent regulatory environment, and encouraging further growth and investment in Atlantic City and the region. They also plan to work with public and private sectors to support more events in the city — events that will appeal to visitors and residents alike. I congratulate the ACRCC for taking these advocacy positions. They will serve to enhance not only Atlantic City, but all of southern New Jersey.

Pinky’s Corner airs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm on News Talk WOND-AM 1400. His TV show, WMGM Presents Pinky, airs Saturday at 7:30pm on TV40. Pinky’s e-mail address is: pinky@acweekly.com.