Christie Backs State Takeover of Casino Districts
KYW Newsradio Team Coverage:
The recommendations of a task force looking at New Jersey gambling and entertainment are being endorsed by governor Chris Christie, who toured the state Wednesday to discuss them.
KYW's David Madden reports the governor was in North Jersey in the morning before heading to Atlantic City in the afternoon -- a town where a lot of things could change quickly under the plan.
New Jersey's sagging casino industry could get a major boost if Christie's plan for tourism districts under state control is adopted in Atlantic City. Christie is embracing the recommendations of a task force that studied the ailing gaming halls for several months.
With state regulations written in the 1970's, new competition from neighboring states and a sluggish economy, New Jersey's gaming industry cannot afford to just stand pat anymore. Call it a partnership, a takeover, whatever you want. Christie says it's time to act.
"If we don't take steps now, we will not be the ones who presided over its decline. We'll be the ones who presided over its death. And I do not want that happening on my watch."
He hopes to send a message to investors to build here again, to tourists to come here again, and to bring their families along. And he wants to be able to do all this, within a year. Many of the changes, like those tourism districts, will require legislative approval and many Democrats suggest the plan is too vague at this point.
Meanwhile, South Jersey residents are weighing in on the governor's plan.
KYW's Paul Kurtz reports that many South Jersey residents agree that Atlantic City is in need of a makeover and seem willing to listen to just about any idea that will turn things around.
(Woman:) "Something needs to be done, so let him go and do it and see what happens. And if it works out, great. If not, then something else needs to be done."
But some people think the governor's solution may a bit over the top.
(Woman #2:) "It seems like that may be putting too much responsibility in one central location, and it's going to sort of lose the fun of what Atlantic City is known for."
(Man #1:) "It's kind of interesting coming from Governor Christie, who's not in favor of the state taking over anything as for private enterprise. So it seems like a contradiction in what his policies are."
(Woman #3:) "Something needs to be done. Something needs to be done all the way around. You just can't muddle along. You have to stir up the pot a little bit sometimes to make things happen. Who knows whether he's right or wrong? You might as well give it a try."
(Man #2:) "I don't think it's a good idea. They already tried that (state takeover) in Camden and it didn't get any better."
Joe Maniaci is among many South Jersey residents who agree that something needs to be done to breathe new life into Atlantic City:
"It sounds like that with all the competition from casinos in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and everywhere else that it might make some sense. It sounds like the AC casinos have gone down a little bit in terms of volume and revenue, so maybe to remain profitable they have to do something like this."
