Steve Young: Atlantic City July 4 Shutdown Is Still On

Long-time Atlantic City activist Steve Young returned to our sister station, WPG Talk Radio 95.5 during “Hurley in the Morning” today at 8:04 a.m, where host Harry Hurley pressed Steve Young in every on-air way possible at every turn.

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Harry regrets to inform you that at this time, Young still remains “110%” committed to shutting down Atlantic City on Saturday, July 4, 2020, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at The Clayton Graham Public Safety Building.

He also talked with Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small since this morning’s interview. Mayor Small remains optimistic that he can work through the issues and achieve effective conflict resolution and avoid this potential shutdown.

The casinos have received permission from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to re-open at 25% capacity on Thursday, July 2, 2020. Should this “shutdown” occur - on what is normally the busiest Saturday of the year - it will be very detrimental to the casinos and all Atlantic City businesses and patrons.

Young restated his allegation that Atlantic City is affected by “systemic racism.” Hurley offered him a blunt assessment that he is the Chairman of the Atlantic City Planning Board, a member of the Atlantic City Citizen’s Advisory Committee, and that he has received a $100,000 grant for his own personal business from the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.

Harry Hurley's point in sighting these examples is that there are great opportunities for African-Americans in Atlantic City and that Young, himself is a perfect example that this upward mobility and potential already exists.

Young ultimately blamed Governor Murphy for the “systemic racism,” something Harry Hurley strenuously reject and disagree with. Governor Murphy just may be the most inclusive Governor in New Jersey history. Making this particular Young allegation the exact opposite of the truth.

There will be more developments over the next few days. Avoiding the shutdown of Atlantic City this Saturday is a moral imperative.