Atlantic City Mayor Speaks Out on Opposition to State Takeover

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (WTXF) - It's no secret that Atlantic City has fallen on hard times, but is a state takeover in the struggling gambling resort's future?

It was the premiere destination for gambling and partying, but in the last two years, Atlantic City's skyline does not glow as bright as it used to.

The lights have dimmed in a resort that was always turned on, four of the twelve casinos have closed, and 10,000 people have lost their jobs.

However, there have been changes.

There have been three previous state takeovers, a Christie-created tourism district, and a state emergency manager.

Now, there could be an even bigger change.

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney wants the state to take over Atlantic City's finances.

Legislation was introduced Wednesday for a formal plan, and is even threatening the struggling resort to declare bankruptcy if the legislature does not approve the measure.

The proposal does not come without opposition.

In fact, Mayor Don Guardian this week compared the proposal to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

"It caught us completely off guard. It was our Pearl Harbor here. Certainly no one was lost or killed, but it was that kind of a surprise to me," Mayor Guardian told NJ Advance Media.

Thursday morning Mayor Guardian spoke with FOX 29's Alex Holley to expand on his opposition.