AC Primetime w/ Mel Taylor. Atlantic City News, Info, Events.

Listen to AC Primetime Radio for the week of June 20, 2016. We talk Blatstein, Garden Pier, Borgata, Uber, Glenn Straub and more. Pretty sure we'll tick somebody off with this one.

Speaking truth to power, we are ACprimetime Radio. Enjoy....as we track the re-invention of Atlantic City.

Council Kills Economic Boost

Local politics has once again mucked up another no-brainer attraction for Atlantic City's Boardwalk. Listen to ACprimetime Radio.

We asked Atlantic City Councilman Jesse Kurtz about his thoughts on responsible enjoyment of alcoholic beverages within our vibrant Tourism District.

Councilman Kurtz

Kurtz, a devout Christian husband and father of four kids, sees no problem with having responsible, open container laws on the Boardwalk and within the Tourism District. On the other hand, the increasingly unpopular Atlantic City Councilman; George Tibbitt, is adamantly opposed to this proven, economy boosting tactic.

Listen to ACprimetime Radio >

Is the City Council of Atlantic City helping...or hurting the re-invention of our seaside resort? Atlantic City has been held back once again by a few on Council more concerned with votes, than economic turn-around. The Boardwalk Beverage ordinance has been delayed once again. LISTEN TO the ACprimetime Radio report.

At the most recent council meeting, a majority of elected leaders squashed a critical ‘Boardwalk beverage’ ordinance. This economy killing opportunity was lead by the infamous, Councilman George Tibbett, who recently was caught by a 6 ABC Action News sting operation. Tibbett was video-taped using a City vehicle for personal use, something he claimed he stopped doing 2 years prior.

Also against the open container ordinance is Councilman Frank Gilliam Jr.

Ironically, the former Council President is pushing for legalization of Marijuana in Atlantic City.

Another who says no for now: Council President, Marty Small. This Mayoral hopeful likely doesn’t want to offend a very small, but vocal group of local voters.

Should AC’s economic recovery be overseen by a handful of elected party-poopers?

Rick Santoro of CRDA

PART 1

PART 2

Listen > Keeping Atlantic City clean and safe are top priorities in the re-invention of Atlantic City. The CRDA; Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, plays a substantial role in this process. Rick Santoro of the CRDA, is the Director of CRDA's Special Improvement Division. He started his career in 1980 as Steve Wynn’s body guard & driver.

Often misunderstood, the NJ Legislature established the CRDA in 1984 to ensure that casinos reinvest in community and economic development projects in Atlantic City and the state of NJ. As of 2011, those casino tax dollars are now mandated to stay within the Atlantic City region.

Santoro brings much-needed expertise to Atlantic City - more than just clean streets, tidy dunes, an attractive Boardwalk...

The veteran CRDA exec visited Mel Taylor & ACprimetime Radio on Monday, May 17. It was a deeper look into Rick's background, CRDA success stories & challenges, refreshed operations, overcoming in-accurate public opinion, and what day-to-day duties are for employees of the Special Improvement District.

Listen to PART 1 & 2 of this exclusive CRDA interview on ACprimetime Radio. Rick Santoro highlights the big changes the CRDA has instituted since 2011.

Some other topics covered:

* Santoro has deep security experience, executive protection for Trump, Wynn and Pavarotti.

* Dealing with blight. Legal implications. ex: Zombie property next to Absecon Lighthouse

* CRDA provides over $10 million in funding to make ACPD one of the most advanced PD's.

* Graffitti spotters. Objective: gone in 12 hours or less.

* Land-banking vs Land cleanup/management/package/market

* The Ambassador program

* Refresh of Lighthouse / SE Inlet district

* How CRDA decides on investments

* Airshow, Miss America, Live Nation, Boardwalk Hall

* Landscapes, Boardwalk, beach & street cleaning

* Dune maintenance & cleaning. Remove trash & light trimming. Reduce fire hazard as per DEP approval

* Brighter lights and digital security initiatives

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Jean Muchanic of Absecon Lighthouse

Seventeen stories of historic fun. Listen as Jean Muchanic visits ACprimetime Radio to chat about Historic Absecon Lighthouse.

DON'T MISS: Thursday Nights in the Summer at Absecon Lighthouse. Click to learn more.

Jean talks about the breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline, the original first-order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857...and more.

The Absecon Lighthouse recently underwent a multi-million dollar restoration that includes a replica of the Lightkeeper's dwelling, educational museum, gift shop, Fresnel Lens exhibit in the original Oil House and expansive grounds.

Ascend Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City.

OPEN YEAR ROUND. Free Parking & Admission to the Keeper's House Museum, Exhibits & Grounds.

New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, 171 feet tall.

* 150 years old, 1857-2007

* Open for climbing

* $7 to climb. $5 for seniors 65+. $4 for children ages 4-12 . $3 Atlantic City residents with ID. Active military & kids under 4 free.

* Dogs on leashes are welcome on the grounds and in the museum. Rack cards and other coupons ONLY apply to the climbing rate. * Special group tours are available upon request. Please call 609-449-1360 for more information

* Visit Absecon Lighthouse website

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Marty Small & Mel Taylor on AC Primetime Radio

Marty Small is more than just the Council President of Atlantic City. He has a Masters degree in educational leadership. At one time called 'Party Marty', the successful promoter is now well known for world famous 'Marty Small Ball'. Click to listen >

Life isn't always rosy for Small. He was recently laid off from his $88,000 Atlantic City Dept. of Recreation job.

Also discussed on AC Primetime Radio with Marty Small>

* Revel & Straub, Blatstein and Showboat* Concerts on the Beach. Diversity in musical acts. Beyonce.* 20% paycuts for City Council?* How much should the Mayor get paid?* Pay bondholders or employees?* Learning from Jersey City* Mayoral aspirations

https://youtu.be/hSgVNdccCEs

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Frank Gilliam Jr. & Son....and Mel Taylor

Listen to Atlantic City Councilman at Large, Frank Gilliam Jr.

These AC Primetime Radio topics covered are wide and varied:

* Bart Blatstein & The Playground Pier.

* Tough to start a business in AC

* What did former Mayor Langford really make?

* Frank Gilliam III - Take your Kid to Work Day

* Frank's background, schooling & wife & family life

* Keeping his cool as a Councilman

* Dealing with Glenn Straub & REVEL property

* Bader Field auction, salaries & paycuts

* Concerts on the Atlantic City beach

Atlantic City Councilman-at-Large Frank Gilliam Jr. visits ACprimetime Radio >

Atlantic City Municipal Salary ALERT: 

As Atlantic City considers pay cuts for those inside City Hall, a murky salary report for the former & acting Mayors was called out by Gilliam. According to NJ.com, AC Mayor Guardian's office said the mayor's salary was reduced from the $143,000 that his predecessor, the former AC Mayor; Lorenzo Langford made. Not so, says Gilliam.

"After being sworn in as Atlantic City's new leader on January 1, 2014, Mayor Guardian recognized the difficult financial situation Atlantic City was in so he took a $40,000 salary reduction," spokesman Chris Filiciello said.

Councilman-at-Large Gilliam disputes Filiciello's claims made to the Associated Press. Gilliam says former AC Mayor Langford never made $143,000. He only made $106,000.

See Associated Press Story at NJ.com here.

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Ventnor Mayor Bagnell

Ventnor Mayor Mike Bagnell visited ACPrimetime Radio to recap his last 4 years of serving this Downbeach community. Bagnell; a 61 yr old Ventnor lifer and former fireman, talked about everything from the Ventnor Fishing Pier and Jitney service, to the recently settled dune dilemma with neighboring Margate.

Ventnor Mayor; Mike Bagnell, recapped his 4 year run at City Hall.

Click to listen to these topics discussed >

* Downbeach Margate Atlantic City Jitney service

* Eco-tourism park & Jim Rutala - grant writing guru

* Why vote for Imagine Ventor team of Kriebel, Holtzman & Landgraf

* Reduce use of plastic bags & Liquor licenses

* The amazing Ventnor Boardwalk, updated special events ordinances = more fun

* Infamous nay-sayer / hater gave farewell gift to Mayor Bagnell

* Shared services and Atlantic County executive Denny Levinson

* Ventnor Master Plan, Sustainable New Jersey

* Downtown Ventnor, Streetscapes & business districts

* Flipping burgers on the beach with Adam Joseph & Melissa Magee of Action News

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Kaleem Shabazz & Mel Taylor; ACprimetime Radio

Atlantic City Councilman for the 3rd ward; Kaleem Shabazz, was a guest on ACprimetime Radio on Friday, April 15.

Shabazz talked about multiple topics including his mom and dad, soul food, politics, jazz, and his Muslim faith. You'll love this wide ranging interview with the very popular Shabazz, who garnered 81% of the 3rd ward vote as he successfully ran for a council seat in Atlantic City.

LISTEN to Kaleem Shabazz Interview on AC Primetime Radio >

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LISTEN: Senator Jim Whelan spoke to 130 business leaders on April 19. It was an event hosted by the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

The day of panel discussions were held at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel. Whelan warned the crowd, along with AC's Mayor Guardian: they might not like what they're about to hear...

Whelan sharply criticized Atlantic City on a variety of topics.

Senator Whelan: The public unions want to protect their collective bargaining agreements. The Mayor & City Council want to their preserve power & influence.

Notable Quotes:

* 100 towns have privatized their water. On 3 different occasions, Atlantic City could have taken action with their water company (MUA). 'It's hard to make the case that Atlantic City is getting it's act together', says Whelan.

* Bader Field is a 150 acres of mismanagement. It's even degrading....with portions slowly becoming wetlands. Fortunatley, the city will finally auction off properties like Bader Field on June 17. The starting bid is a hopeful $150 million.

* TV expose by Action News....showing Councilman George Tibbit using city vehicle to drive to Home Depot.

* Prieto does not have the votes to pass his bill. He does not have the 41 needed, otherwise he would post the bill.

* Prieto bill...the county would get $4 mil extra per year.....from broke city.

* There is no meaningful incentive for early retirement (public employees)

* Take-over is better than bankruptcy

Howard Kyle (Chief of Staff for Atlantic County Executive Levinson) pitched public-private partnerships, agriculture, the airport and colleges.

The best way to save Atlantic City.... is to save Atlantic County, says Kyle.