“Expanding gambling in North Jersey would save state's horse racing”

Why do you think that the referendum to expand gambling in northern NJ collapsed?

At the present time the politics in New Jersey is controlled in the South and their leaders were concerned that it might hurt two of their candidates if this was on the ballot.  A total disgrace.

What would the benefits be of this gambling expansion?

There are many benefits but for starters it would save horse racing in the State as the breeding industry has basically collapsed. 

With all of the surrounding states subsidizing the purses from slots it is virtually impossible for Jersey to compete.  As far as the benefit to the tax payers, it would raise about $500 million in tax revenue by bringing people who are mainly gambling in New York and Pennsylvania to New Jersey.  A portion of that money would be used to help Atlantic City recover and that money is desperately needed by them as well.  It would create billions of dollars of new construction and we alone would probably hire 4,000 people.

A Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll last month showed that 56% of state residents opposed expanding gambling outside Atlantic City, while 37% supported it. What impact did public opinion have on the decision that there won't be a referendum in November?

I think that poll gave them an excuse not to put it on the ballot but I do not think that was the main reason.  On the other hand, had the poll numbers been reversed and showed broad support my guess is they would have had no choice but to put it on the ballot.

Patrick Murray, executive director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said delaying a referendum benefits both Atlantic City, which is struggling to rebound, and South Jersey Democrats who are facing tough re-election bids this year. Do you agree with his vision on the matter?

He is correct, however I don’t think it really benefits Atlantic City as they need the money we were offering if they expect and grow and reverse the decline. 

Is there still any chance of addressing the issue this year? If not, what is the next step?

I think it’s remote that it will be addressed this year as the deadline is August 4th and there is no indication the Assembly is coming back this year.  The next step is to get it on the ballot next year and I think that will happen.  We have been assured by the people who kept it off this year that it would be on the ballot next year but they had promised it would be on the ballot this year.  Having said that, I do think it will be on the ballot.