Atlantic City

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Atlantic City, NJ - Today, Atlantic City resident Dafiq Rasheed announced that he has formed an exploratory committee to consider entering the race for City Council at Large. Mr. Rasheed, a political science major at Rutgers University in Camden would be the youngest Councilman in Atlantic City's history at the age of 19. He is a lifelong resident of the 2nd Ward in Atlantic City and respected on the national political scene, most notably for his work on Democratic campaigns.

A strong advocate for youth, Dafiq Rasheed was awarded the Fannie Lou Hamer, Ordinary People, and Extraordinary Deeds Award by Councilman Gene Robinson in February of 2007 for his work in the community. Dafiq successfully completed the Ephren Taylor Entrepreneurship Program at Cheney University in 2007 and is an alumnus of the prestigious Presidential Classroom in Washington, DC.   Mr. Rasheed is no stranger to history, having been elected to the School Board as the student member at the age of 16.  

"I am currently seeking the support of voters, meeting with politicians, professors, and consultants throughout the country, and fundraising before I make an official announcement." said the Rutgers student. 

"I take this decision neither lightly nor flippantly, but with full faith in the possibilities of a better tomorrow. My candidacy will be filled with the purpose of advocating for our youngest people and our eldest. These are two constituencies that deserve a voice in the Council Chambers. My principled leadership on issues like spending, the elimination of corruption, and a spotlight on public safety will be the hallmark of my tenure in City Hall." 

 "Over the next couple of weeks, I look forward to meeting supporters from all six wards to make this decision," continued Rasheed.  "I have been blessed with the response that I have been getting from the citizens, my family, and friends.  I look forward to continuing my education at Rutgers and serving my community no matter what decision I make."

BURZICHELLI TO ODDS MAKERS: A.C. GOOD PICK TO HAVE BETTER YEAR THAN VEGAS

Jersey’s Gaming Resort Healthier Than Competitors

(PAULSBORO) – Despite the recent drop in Atlantic City casino revenues, Assemblyman John Burzichelli – chairman of the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee – said a look at the numbers from casinos across the country actually show the New Jersey resort doing much better than its competitors.

Burzichelli said the doom-and-gloom scenarios many have painted when they look at Atlantic City’s revenue figures ignore the resort’s ability to weather the global economic storm and emerge as the nation’s leading gaming destination.

“No one can deny the downturn is hurting Atlantic City’s casinos, but our industry is in position to emerge stronger than Las Vegas’ storied strip,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester).

CSG GAMING PANEL CONFIRMS NJ HAS HIT JACKPOT WITH ATLANTIC CITY'S SHIFT TO RESORT DESTINATION

(ATLANTIC CITY) - Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli today said that New Jersey's unique approach to legalized gambling has helped the state avoid or overcome many of the challenges facing other Northeastern states with casino gaming.

Coastal Marina will purchase the Trump Marina Hotel Casino in Atlantic City for $316 million, and re-brand and refurbish the property under the “Margaritaville™” brand. The deal also ends unrelated litigation between the two companies.

“Together with Jimmy Buffett’s team at Margaritaville™, our plans are to create an exciting new property that we believe will tap its full potential and make it one of the most successful destination gaming resorts in Atlantic City,” said Coastal Marina Chairman Richard Fields. “In the weeks and months ahead, there will be additional announcements and more details about the transition of ownership and our new resort concept.”

A Trump official says the transaction will give them greater financial flexibility at Trump Taj Mahal, including a new 782-room hotel tower.

The Trump Marina Hotel Casino includes the lease for the Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina.

The Star-Ledger reported today that Governor Jon Corzine is considering allow keno games in bars and restaurants as a way of increasing revenues, and James Whelan, who represents Atlantic County in the State Senate, has “registered his strong opposition to the plan,” the Ledger says. So here’s the question: what’s the difference between Whelan and predecessor Bill Gormley when it comes to strong opposition?

MCKEON: WITH SMOKING BAN IN CASINOS, NEW JERSEY FINALLY KICKS THE HABIT
Assemblyman Says Smoking Ban in Atlantic City Casinos Closes Last Loophole to Clean Air

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman John F. McKeon, co-sponsor of  the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, today welcomed the Atlantic City Council's passage of an ordinance that will ban smoking in casinos as of October 15.

TRENTON – Senator Jim Whelan, Chairman of the Senate Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee, made the following comments when asked about the Senate prospects for the sports wagering bill which passed today in the Assembly.

ASSEMBLY PASSES LEGALIZED SPORTS-BETTING BILL
Measure Would Legalize Wagering on Professional Athletics

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Nelson Albano, Louis Greenwald, John Burzichelli, and Paul Moriarty sponsored to pave the way for Atlantic City casinos to take bets on professional sporting contests was passed today by the General Assembly.

GREENWALD: ATLANTIC CITY AGAIN LEFT OUT
OF SUPER BOWL PARTY
Las Vegas Celebrates Giants' Win with Sold-Out Hotels, Expected $100 Million in Wagers

(VOORHEES) - Assemblyman Louis Greenwald today said Las Vegas' expected windfall from this past weekend's influx of football fans underscores why New Jersey should legalize professional sports gaming so Atlantic City can host its own Super Bowl party.