No mention of Atlantic City, NJ, in Governor’s Address [OPINION]

For the first time in nearly 50 years, a New Jersey Governor delivered the annual state of the state address … without a single mention of Atlantic City.

Make no mistake about it, my friend, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy knew exactly what he was doing.

The Atlantic City omission by The Governor was by design … it was not an oversight.

But, why?

The Atlantic City casino industry is dealing with major headwinds … yet, it remains a multibillion dollar, leading industry in the state of New Jersey.

As Atlantic City goes … so goes the state. Yet, still no mention by Governor Murphy.

The State of New Jersey continues to “own” all of Atlantic City’s many problems because of legislation that gives the state full control of all Atlantic City operations.

My take on this is that Governor Murphy has had it with Atlantic City and its incompetent local government … starring its top City official, Mayor Marty Small and his wife, La’Quetta Small, who is the top Atlantic City public schools official.

Both Marty and La’Quetta Small have been indicted for various child abuse criminal charges. Marty Small has also been indicted for witness tampering.

It’s been a dysfunctional freak show.

2025 should be the year that both Marty and La’Quetta will learn if they will remain free, or, be subject to incarceration.

Will Marty and La’Quetta Small remain eligible to hold public employment and elective office?

There has been a lack of proper attention to detail in Atlantic City regarding (providing) basic city services.

Since Small became Mayor, Atlantic City has developed a reputation for being both unsafe and unclean.

Both of these weaknesses have had a damaging effect for the city as a destination resort and it has adversely affected the Atlantic City casino industry.

I believe that Governor Murphy has thrown-in the towel on Atlantic City with less than one year left in his second term.

Governor Murphy has a bright future after leaving as Governor … and, he doesn’t want to be measured by the failure of Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is fixable, but, it requires replacing both Marty and La’Quetta Small.

This must happen in either an Atlantic County courtroom, or, 2025 election ballot.

Below, are a variety of Atlantic City photos that feature familiar faces and events.