Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) released the following statement Friday on Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian’s pledge to make the cuts necessary to close the city’s budget deficit:
“This is a good-faith commitment on Mayor Guardian’s part that he’s willing to work together with the state to do whatever they can to right Atlantic City’s course.
“To truly get the city back on sound financial footing, we need both sides of the equation in place – the city has to make cuts, and the state has to enact the PILOT program. With Mayor Guardian’s commitment in place now, I’m optimistic that we can get this done.
“As I’ve said before, in order to make Atlantic City a more family friendly resort location, we need to stop the immediate bleeding that is adversely impacting the entire county. Reducing the property tax burden on families and businesses will always will be my top priority.
“In order to create long-term stability, we must provide certainty to Atlantic City about the casinos’ financial obligation. This will, in the end, make Atlantic County a more affordable place to live and work. Doing nothing and allowing the casinos to endlessly appeal property tax assessments means more pain for taxpayers across Atlantic County. That cannot be allowed to continue,” said Mazzeo.