Join me for an hour Christmas Eve Tuesday, Dec 23 2008

… or maybe an hour and forty-five minutes.

I am guest hosting the Seth Grossman show on Christmas Eve. The show is from 3pm – 4:45pm. If you are in the South Jersey area, you can listen to WIBG 1020 AM. The show is also broadcast online. http://azul.streamguys.com/wibg1020, is the direct link to listen to me online. The call-in number is 609.398.1020. I invite you to call and share some Christmas cheer with us on the Internet.

I will start the show by reading the Christmas narrative from St. Luke’s Gospel. The focus will turn to the Incarnation’s effect on history. What does it mean that the Incarnation is the central event in history? There will also be personal anecdotes and stories of family Christmas traditions.

Micah Kurtz will join me on air and share some insight. He will share what he is learning about our American heritage in college. His college – The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts – is one of the few where educating the mind is given more importance than ideology and agendas.

I hope that you can listen to all, or part of the show. And may you have a Merry Christmas!

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Atlantic City Should Mimic Boston Thursday, Dec 18 2008

   I have brought up on multiple occasions to City Council, both in and out of their public meetings, that the full text of proposed ordinances on the City Council agenda should be posted on the Internet prior to the meeting.   The City Clerk has said that this is too much work for her office.   City Council has not placed a priority on increasing transparency.

   Boston’s City Council passed a transparency act, reports PolitickerMA: 

The Boston City Council passed a proposal on Wednesday that would require the all city commissions and boards to post their membership, meetings, agendas and minutes online for public consumption. The proposal was introduced by Councilor Sam Yoon and sought to make city government more transparent. It passed unanimously. “Today’s vote is a common sense first step toward government that answers to the people, not to prosecutors’ indictments,” Yoon, of Dorchester, said in a statement. “We should use the internet to bring City Hall out in the open and make it more accountable.”

We agree with Yoon and the rest of Boston’s City Council.   There is currently some, but enough transparency in City Government.   Citizens should not have to pay OPRA (Open Public Records Act) fees everytime they want an answer to where and how their money is being spent.   The Internet is a great tool.   Atlantic City government should use it more than they currently are.

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The Power of Citizen Participation in Community Life Wednesday, Dec 17 2008

   It is so important for citizens to take an active role in the affairs of their community.   American civic participation has been the energy that fuels the life of our country.  

   The Atlantic City Business and Community Association (ACBCA) is accomplishing a tremendous impact in a short amount of time.   The ACBCA is working hard to revive “The Avenue” (Atlantic Avenue from Michigan Avenue to the Inlet) as the heart of Atlantic City’s business community.   Proceeding from successful beautification efforts, public awareness, storefront renovations, and a trick-or-treat event

(Photo credit – http://acbca.org/images/189_SDC10036.JPG)

the ACBCA is taking strides to rejuvenate city life on Atlantic Avenue.

   I will be sharing their developments with you as they occur.   You can listen to some ACBCA representatives on Pinky’s Corner Thursday, 18 December, from 4pm – 5pm on WOND 1400AM.   You can also listen online.

(Photo credit – http://media.pressofatlanticcity.com/smedia/2008/11/18/02/886-6369082.standalone.prod_affiliate.101.jpg)

   It is important for us to join ACBCA’s efforts.   The community, economic, and civic life of a city is the responsibility of an active citizenry.   Alexis de Tocqueville was amazed when he visited America and observed the resilience and rugged individualism of Americans.   The following quotation is taken from a wonderful study in the role of citizen participation in community development, from Ohio State University:

“Americans of all ages, all conditions, and dispositions constantly form associations…. The Americans make associations to give entertainment, to found seminaries, to build inns, to construct churches, to diffuse boots, to send missionaries…. I have often admired the extreme skill with which the inhabitants of the United States succeed in proposing a common object for the exertions of a great many men and inducing them voluntarily to pursue it. “

It is never too late to re-discover the social capital inherent in our town.   It takes some effort and self-education to re-discover our identity as Americans.   The ACBCA is one group re-activating the great treasure of free association and active community participation that leads to vibrant city living.   We wish them well.

For more information, contact Vivian Cheng at 212-203-8871(Vivian@acbca.org) or Minyee Ji at 609-412-9041(minyeeji@acbca.org).

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Assemblymen Vince Polistina and John Amodeo Introduce Legislation Preventing Casino Shutdown Tuesday, Dec 16 2008

News from the Senate and Assembly Republicans 

 
December 16, 2008       Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean/908-232-3673
                      Assemblymen Vince Polistina and John Amodeo/609-677-8266
 
         KEAN, AMODEO AND POLISTINA INTRODUCE BILL EXTENDING PROTECTIONS AGAINST CASINO SHUTDOWN BILL WOULD ALLOW CASINOS TO OPERATE FOR UP TO 60 DAYS DURING ANY GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
 
            In an effort to guard against any possible interference with casino operations in the event of a state government shutdown next summer, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vince Polistina have introduced legislation allowing casinos and racetracks to operate for up to 60-days during any halt in government operations.
            “These are difficult times. It’s unlikely that creating next year’s budget will be a smooth process,” said Kean, R-Union, Morris, Somerset and Essex. “Neither the casinos nor their workers can afford a shutdown while legislators debate state spending. We need to protect jobs so that no one is put at risk of missing a payment on a mortgage or utility bill.”
            “The government shutdown in 2006, resulting from the failure of the Governor and the Legislature to approve a budget by the July 1st deadline, was a devastating blow to the casino industry and its workers,” said Amodeo, R-Atlantic. “We cannot risk another shutdown that threatens the casino industry and its workers.”
            Kean, Polistina and Amodeo said that with the state facing a possible budget shortfall of more than $4 billion for next year’s budget, the possibility of another contentious budget process – and an extended government shutdown – cannot be ruled out. Under current law, the casinos can operate for up to seven days in the event of a government shutdown.
            “The prudent thing is to be prepared well in advance for what could happen this summer,” said Polistina, R-Atlantic. “The legislation approved earlier this year fails to account for the very real possibility that during a protracted budget stalemate we could have a government shutdown that exceeds one week. We have to prevent workers from losing wages and the state from losing any revenue should state leaders fail to adhere to their responsibilities as they did in 2006.”
            The failure of the Governor and Legislature to pass a budget by July 1 in 2006 resulted in a shutdown of the state government and the closing of the casinos in Atlantic City for the first time in history. The state lost $4 million of revenue as a result of the 2006 shutdown.
 
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Smoking Ban is Bad for Casino Business Tuesday, Dec 16 2008

   It is not just this blog that recognizes that the government-imposed smoking restrictions are bad for casino business.   If the casino operators want to implement smoking restrictions, it is their prerogative and right to implement their own smoking restrictions.   However, the principle of government dictating indoor smoking standards to a private establishment stinks worse than the cigarette smoke.

   Pepe’s Non-Smoking Party Lounge blogs on Atlantic City’s bad smoking policy.   The point to keep in mind is that the business risk of limiting or banning smoking indoors is the right of the business owners and management, not government officials:

Lifting Atlantic City smoking ban doesn’t help smokers

Guess what? Suspending a planned smoking ban in Atlantic City casinosdidn’t help business. Business went down last month in Atlantic City 7.8 percent from 2007. That compares to a year-long drop of 6.7 percent. Lifting the ban didn’t help. Maybe business might’ve dropped more, but then again, maybe it wouldn’t have dropped so much.

 

 

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Allowing Casino Employees to Stand for Office Friday, Dec 12 2008

   I still grapple with the question, “Should casino employees be able to stand for political office?”

   The state constitution was amended about thirty years ago.   That amendment was the provision for legalizing gambling in Atlantic City.   There was a long and contentious effort to legalize gambling in Atlantic City.   Not only was gambling legalize through the constitutional amendment, but a monopoly was legalized.   Only Atlantic City can have gambling in the state of New Jersey.  

   There has to be certain criteria met before a casino license will be granted.   There is a regulation to build a certain number of hotel rooms to qualify as a legal casino.   This requirement has prevented bar, restaurant, and other establishments from enjoying slot machine or table game revenues.  

   There is always a delicate balance between federal and state powers.   There is also a balance of interests and rights when government “legalizes” a previously “illegal” activity.   I still cannot help scoffing at those who still consider the many card games taking place in pre-casino Atlantic City clubs to be wrong, but the modern day poker rooms are ok.  

(Photo credit – http://www.peoplejam.com/files/u151/gambling.gif)

It was wrong for guys to run the numbers, but ok for state government to reap profits from a lottery.

   Back to the point, casino employees do forfeit their right to stand for elected office by accepting employment in casino gaming.   I am beginning to share the opinion that casino employees should enjoy the same rights as other citizens to participate politically.   One person who has swayed my opinion is Roger Gros.   He blogs:

By continuing to prohibit casino employees and executives from running for the office of mayor (limiting their service to City Council positions), the bill is yet another slap in the face to people who have been given the most stringent oversight by the state government when they are granted casino licenses. To prevent them from running for mayor (or governor or state legislator, for that matter), the state is telling casino employees that they are not trustworthy enough to fill those positions! Does the state prohibit New Brunswick executives with drug companies located there from running for governor? Are tourism employees prevented from holding the mayor’s office in Cape May? NO! There is no difference, as a one-industry towns, between Atlantic City and those two examples.

    One little point prevents me from enthusiastically joining Mr. Gros’s cause.   The casino gaming legislation has granted Atlantic City casino operators a legalized monopoly and hindered the rights of other New Jerseyans.   The constitution not only discriminates against casino employees, but also owners of smaller establishments, and developers in other towns.   One may argue that that is the way the people of New Jersey wanted it, i.e. contained to large facilities in one town.   But I say that if the people of New Jersey wanted to structure casino gaming so as to deny liberty and justice for all, so be it. 

   Enough of the spoonfuls of liberty.   Either have the laws reflect equally for all, or enjoy your legalized monopoly and stop complaining.

(Photo credit – http://www.firstpeople.us/pictures/art/odd-sizes/pt/Gambling-For-The-Buck-750×957.jpg)

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Eugene Robinson’s “Rightousness” Sunday, Dec 7 2008

   The latest development in Councilman Eugene Robinson’s sex scandal is that he is now suing the taxpayers of Atlantic City.   A recent Wayne Parry Associated Press piece places Councilman and Minister Robinson’s transgression in Atlantic City historical perspective.

A hooker and a Baptist minister having sex in a seedy motel room, where a camera was hidden in a clock radio. A videotape delivered to a radio talk show host by someone wearing oversized glasses, a fake beard and surgical gloves.

Even by the flamboyant corruption standards set by Atlantic City’s government over the decades, this was one for the books.

[...]

Atlantic City is a town whose origins are rooted in vice,” [James Leonard, Jr. said. "It's like the temptations are just too great here."

Levy resigned in October 2007. Four of his eight predecessors also had been arrested on corruption charges.

Some council members haven't fared much better. As recently as 2006, one third of the nine council members were either in prison or on their way. One incumbent councilman is awaiting trial next year for his role in the Callaway sex video case.

In 1989 and 1990, four council members and the mayor were indicted in a bribery case. Only one councilman and the mayor, James Usry, were convicted.

   Zebulon Pike of Save Jersey makes the following comment:

So a Baptist minister and a hooker walk into a motel....

Another day, another sex scandal in Atlantic City. But it's always been that way in New Jersey's largest seaside resort town[.]

   Rather than resign, Councilman Eugene Robinson claimed “righteousness.”   His stance is along the lines of “How dare they videotape me with a hooker,” rather than “I am sorry for using a taxpayer-funded vehicle to pick-up a prostitute and take her to a seedy motel for sexual services.”   Atlantic City taxpayers get the joy of knowing that they indirectly paid for their At-Large Councilman to pick-up a  hooker.

   Councilman Robinson’s “righteousness” has led him to sue the city for the emotional duress this whole ordeal has caused him.   Did he suffer this duress before, during, or after receiving sexual favors from a lady of the night?   Mark Padula offers the following thought:

Regarding the Nov. 21 story, “Robinson suit cites humiliation from sex-tape, blackmail scheme”:

I find it disgraceful that the good people of Atlantic City have a mayor who has sued the city of Atlantic City, a City Council president who has sued the city and now a reverend and councilman who has filed suit against the city. All of this while our property taxes continue to increase year after year.

What, if anything, did the city of Atlantic City do to Councilman Gene Robinson to cause him to name the same entity that he draws a paycheck and perks from in his lawsuit? Could it be because the city’s pockets run even deeper than Councilman John Schultz’s?

We join Mr. Padula and other Atlantic City taxpayers in demanding that disgraced Councilman abandon any pretense of righteousness and resign.  His behavior and the decision to sue the city are disgusting.   Do not wait until November’s election to be voted out of office.  Do not pass go.  

Resign Councilman, resign.

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Atlantic City Needs Another Industry. Sunday, Dec 7 2008

     At The Beach blogs:

CASINO REVENUE OCT. 2008 OFF 23% FROM OCT. 2007 !!!

The BIG news here on Absecon Island is the very scary decline of the Casino Industry. The Press reported this week that OCT. 2008 saw a more then 20% decline in profits for the Industry from just one yr. ago and a yr. ago profits had already decline more then 10% from Oct. 2006. To say the least the bloom is off the rose. Of course this decline reflects the larger decline in economic activity nationwide and even world-wide since Sect. Paulson’s dire announcement back in mid Sept. of this yr. In short, the house of cardsonce called Int’l finance finally collapsed and it appears has taken with it significant portions of the world’s economy along with it. Gambling/tourism is not a basic Industry and therefore is feeling the effects more then some other sectors. When people cut back on spending this is one of the first areas of their budgets they cut out. Unlike the events of 9/11/ 2001 when an external shock ( the terrorists attacks) caused a rapid decline in the markets as the effects of this event became evident, this shock is a long time coming, is internal too the system and is much more serious.

[...]

The Economic Landscape

With X-mas shopping season right up ahead everyone will be looking @ retail figures for this seasons “black Friday.” If as many are expecting, these numbers are significantly lower then the last few yrs., it’s possible weak X-Mas spending will drive the economy even deeper into recession. As it stands right now many large retailers are either already closing up and declaring Chpt. 11 or are closing significant numbers of their stores trying to survive. How the Casino industry locally will survive this time will be interesting. My guess is since these places are being largely run these days by accountants and finance guys we can expect massive lay-offs, maybe even the failure and closing of the more marginal houses ( like Resorts/Hilton). Let’s pray none of them fold as it would further devastate an already weakened local economy. Unfortunately, for our area, for the most part we’ve put all our economic eggs so to speak in the Casino basket and if it falters most everyone will suffer.

The salient point of his analysis is that Atlantic City has a one dimensional economy.   For that matter, South Jersey is a two-dimensional economy, i.e. casino gaming and FAA Tech Center.   Economic prosperity will again thrive – regardless of the national or international picture – if Atlantic City can insulate itself from regional, national, and international economic downturns.   We here have a solution, which will add another dimension to our local economy.

   You can be sure to note that we are going out on a limb with this request.   We want there to be an oil and/or natural gas rig off Atlantic City’s coast.   The rig would offer quality employment for area residents.   Cultivating our natural resources will make gas and oil even cheaper.   It would be possible to enter a collaborative agreement with the company that gets the contract to offer training to area workers.

   Ideas like a natural gas and/or oil rig off Atlantic City’s coast are the type of ideas that flourished in Atlantic City.   We consistently are the first in many areas.  We should be the first to drill off of New Jersey’s coast. 

(Photo credit - http://www.energyforumucsb.com/images/oil%20rig.jpg)

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AC New Republicans December Meeting Monday, Dec 1 2008

Atlantic City New Republican Club
1 December, MMVIII
 
For immediate release
Media contact – Jesse O. Kurtz, 609.334.3756
 
 
ATLANTIC CITY NEW REPUBLICAN CLUB APPEALING TO DISENFRANCHISED CITY RESIDENTS
 
   The Atlantic City New Republican Club will hold its second monthly meeting at Ducktown Tavern on 10 December at Ducktown Tavern on the corner of Georgia and Atlantic Avenues in Atlantic City at 5:30pm.   The newly formed club is targeting the many residents tired of the rampant corruption in Atlantic City’s Democrat-dominated politics.
  
   “Atlantic City conducted a revaluation last year,” said Club President Jesse O. Kurtz, “And a lot of people had their property tax bills increased double, triple, and – in at least one case – five times the previous amount.”   Senior citizens were especially hit hard by their new property value assessments.
 
   “You would think that the Mayor and Council would have worked together to ease taxpayers in to their tax bills, which are based for the first time on new assessments,” said Kurtz.   “Yet, you would be wrong.”   He continued, “Atlantic City government increased the budget the same year they were conducting the two-decade overdue property revaluation.”  
 
   Kurtz continued, “I am discovering that a lot of residents are looking for an alternative to the ruling City Democrats that have not improved the quality of life, reduced government spending, or eliminated corruption.”   All of the people involved with the corruption, ineptitude, and rampant spending have one thing in common: they are all Democrats.
 
   Steve Lonegan will be the guest speaker for the AC New Republican Club’s December meeting.   Mr. Lonegan will present a taxpayers seminar and share advice on how to resist Trenton and City Hall’s intrusion in to citizens’ wallets and freedom.   Mr. Lonegan will also share tips on how he managed to win three terms as a Republican in the heavily Democrat town of Bogota, NJ.
 
###

–
Shalom,
Laus Deo,
Jesse O. Kurtz
609.334.3756

President of The Atlantic City New Republican Club: http://acnewrepublicans.wordpress.com/

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