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TagsRepublican lawmakers miffed by snub
State Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex) Monday said the gaming summit to begin Friday in Atlantic City will serve as the legislative Democrats' answer to the Gov. Chris Christie's gaming commission.
"The governor and the Republicans had their task force, and now Democrats have our fact-finding mission," Sweeney said. "Regardless of party, the goal remains the same: create a path for renewal and rejuvenation of the state's gaming, sports and entertainment industries. All areas of the state and points of view are being represented and I am quite sure the discussions will bear that out."
"The Republican administration has offered their plan, and now it's time for the Democratic majority to take a look at it and also put forth its own ideas," Oliver said. "But as everyone has seen, we are open to all ideas, no matter where they come from, as evidenced by some of bills we've advanced to benefit the horse racing industry that were sponsored both by Democratic and Republican lawmakers. The ultimate goal is to devise a plan that benefits all regions, with all points of view heard and taken into consideration."
Christie's commission, among other things, has proposed a state takeover of Atlantic City's casino district and effort to crackdown on crime in the city.Sweeney and Oliver describe the summit as a means of bringing together lawmakers, industry leaders and policy experts to publicly examine the recommendations of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Gaming, Sports and Entertainment.
The Democrats want sports betting in the casinos as a way to restore public interest in gaming.
All of the legislators taking part in the gaming summit are Democrats.
Sweeney and Oliver named Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic) and Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) to lead the talks. In addition to the co-chairs and Sweeney and Oliver, other members named to the summit include Senators Raymond J. Lesniak (D-Union), Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) and Assembly members Ralph Caputo (D-Essex), Matthew W. Milam (D-Cumberland) and Connie Wagner (D-Bergen).
"Unlike the report we recently received, this will be an open process and everyone will get a chance to speak their minds," Oliver said. "We hope our Republican colleagues we take advantage of that opportunity along with all other interested parties as we work towards a solution acceptable to both the Republican governor and the Democratic Legislature."
"The summit is our caucuses' chance to wrap our hands around the Hanson (the governor's) Commission's thinking in an open forum," Sweeney said. "We will tackle this issue fairly and evenly and will work with the Governor and our Republican colleagues on the finer points of a final plan everyone can agree to."
Legislative Republicans are not happy about the all-Democratic gaming panel.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-Union) said, "It's unacceptable to inject partisan politics into the modernization of major industries in New Jersey's economy. The long-term futures of gaming and horse farming cross geographic and ideological boundaries. A transparent and fair process should include a balance of stakeholders including bipartisan representatives of the people.
"In the past seven months, Republicans and Democrats have worked cooperatively on pension and benefits reform, the state budget and many other issues,'' Kean said. "I hope that the Senate leadership reconsiders their position and opens a seat at the table for Republicans."
Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vince Polistina (both R-Atlantic) joined Kean in criticizing the creation of the all-Democratic panel.
"Somehow this legislative gaming summit devolved into a Democratic summit,'' Amodeo said. "Limiting the summit to one party only hinders the important work we have ahead of us to ensure a vibrant Atlantic City and horse racing industry. A one-party summit screams of partisanship instead of a sincere bipartisan effort to improve our state."
"Governor Christie's task force made a thorough and thoughtful proposal, which warrants a critical look from the bipartisan Legislature," Polistina said. "But the Democratic summit leaves out many of the varied interests affected by gaming. A legitimate, bipartisan, legislative panel would be more efficient and effective toward a new future for Atlantic City and other gaming interests."
Additional gaming summit meetings will be held at the Meadowlands and in Trenton.
– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
