This year’s battle for the Atlantic City mayoralty is a proxy battle, Save Jerseyans.
Republican Don Guardian, the incumbent, is supported by GOP leaders. Democrat Frank Gilliam is backed by Steve Sweeney and the South Jersey Democrat-Big Labor alliance. Some local Democrats have revolted against the Senate President, however, over disputes including the Christie-led state takeover of the city’s finances.
The Democrats’ divide spilled out into the open on Monday when Guardian announced the backing of local power brokers including former Atlantic City Councilman Ernest D. Coursey, current City Council President Marty Small, Sr., Reverend Collins A. Days, Sr., and Bishop R. Fulton Hargrove II.
“As a Democrat and City Council President, I truly believe that current Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian is the best candidate for Mayor. Don and I fought hard against the State takeover on behalf of the residents last year, and we worked well together for the sake of moving Atlantic City in the right direction.The same can’t be said about Frank Gilliam,” opined Small in a full-throated condemnation of Guardian’s challenger. “Frank is bought and paid for by political bosses near and far, and is nothing more than a Manchurian candidate. Councilman Frank Gilliam was missing in action during the most important time in our City’s history because he was promised things by political bosses. Frank is nothing but an obstructionist voting ‘no’ on issues to save our city, flip flopping positions for political gain, and more importantly, offering no solutions. Frank Gilliam is temperamentally and professionally unfit to serve as mayor of Atlantic City. Lastly, special interest candidate Frank Gilliam is still a stranger to the community, only becoming visible during the Mayoral campaign. As seen in the Primary, Frank Gilliam will do and say anything to get elected, as proven by his alliance with former Council President Craig Callaway and his organization. The last time Callaway was in charge of the city, we all know how that ended.”
Coursey, for his part, only recently sought one of two Democrat nominations for LD2 Assembly, accusing the late state Senator Jim Whelan of racism.
“I am endorsing Don Guardian for mayor of Atlantic City. I am honored to call Don Guardian my friend. This election is not about Democrats versus Republicans. This election is about electing the best person to serve as mayor of Atlantic City. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Don Guardian is the best person,” said the sitting African American freeholder. “He has worked tremendously hard over the past four years, and has earned the right to serve Atlantic City residents for four more years. We must vote to re-elect Don Guardian because Atlantic City cannot go backwards. Too much progress has already been made under the Guardian Administration. I am honored to support Don Guardian for re-election as mayor of Atlantic City.”
Guardian’s political success thus far in the heavily Democratic, economically challenged resort town will be put to the test on November 6th when opposing forces marshal their supporters for a final push. Adding to the drama is a percolating accusation of voter fraud concerning ballots allegedly pre-marked for Democrat candidates.
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