New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Declares
“Economic Martial Law” in Atlantic City

ORLANDO (January 22, 2015) – Just how bad is the economic situation in Atlantic City? New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is expected to appoint an emergency manager to take over the finances of the once-thriving gambling mecca.

Media reports say that Christie will announce this extraordinary measure at a third summit focusing on the problems facing Atlantic City. The emergency manager will assume all powers of the mayor and city council that were elected by the city’s voters.

“It seems that New Jersey leaders spend more time and money trying to save Atlantic City casinos than they do vying for real, sustained economic development,” said John Sowinski, President of No Casinos. “Gambling was supposed to be the savior for Atlantic City but instead has led to Governor Christie declaring what amounts to ‘economic martial law. ‘” Sowinski continued.  “This is the casino legacy:  The industry promises jobs and revenues and ends up causing economic chaos and taxpayer bailouts.”


 

NJ.com

 

Christie appointing emergency manager in Atlantic City, report says

By Matt Arco
January 22, 2015

TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie will appoint an emergency manager to take over the troubled resort town’s daily operations, The Wall Street Journal reported early Thursday morning.

The emergency manager position was one recommendation of an advisory commission Christie formed. The governor is expected to formally announce the move Thursday during the third summit he has held in an effort pull the city from economic hardship.

“They’re moving forward with an emergency manager,” Atlantic City Council President Frank M. Gilliam Jr. told Philly.com.

Christie is expected to name Kevin Lavin, a lawyer who worked for FTI Consulting Inc. in New York, a source told The Wall Street Journal. Another man, former Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr, will be brought on as a consultant to work with Lavin, the paper also reported. Orr controlled Detroit’s finances beginning in March 2013.

The two will begin immediately and will assume the powers now held by the mayor and council. They will also be free to consider a range of solutions — including renegotiating public-employee contracts, The Journal reported.

Read full story here