'It's an Everybody Problem': Former Democratic Chairman Calls for Greater Atlantic County Role in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Former Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman says Atlantic County government should take a more active role in addressing the challenges facing Atlantic City, arguing that many of the city's biggest issues extend far beyond its borders.

Appearing Monday on WOND's Off The Press with Scott Cronick, Suleiman said Atlantic City and Atlantic County too often operate independently, despite their shared economic future.

"I think the county and Atlantic City operate like a separation of church and state," Suleiman said during the interview.

He argued that issues such as homelessness, infrastructure and economic development should be viewed as regional concerns rather than solely the responsibility of city government.

"When the homeless problem is a problem of Atlantic City, doesn't that bleed into Atlantic County?" host Scott Cronick asked during the discussion. "Why do all the sins of Atlantic City not seem to be Atlantic County's problem?"

Suleiman agreed, saying stronger cooperation among all levels of government is needed.

"What's missing in Atlantic County is just the synergy of all levels of government working together with the private sector, with the nonprofit sector," he said.

He pointed to Camden as an example of how cooperation between municipal, county and state governments can produce long-term results.

"You look at Camden City and there's great synergy between the state, the county and the city," Suleiman said. "That went from the murder capital of the country to really one of the success stories of America."

Suleiman acknowledged Atlantic City's history presents unique challenges, including what he described as decades of missed opportunities during the city's casino monopoly.

"Atlantic City had a decades-long monopoly on gaming outside of Las Vegas, and we totally blew it," he said, arguing that previous leaders failed to capitalize on the city's economic advantages.

Still, he said that history should not prevent greater collaboration today.

Among the areas where he believes Atlantic County could play a larger role is economic development through the Atlantic County Improvement Authority.

"I think the Atlantic County Improvement Authority... could do a lot more," Suleiman said, noting the agency's ability to finance major projects through its bonding authority.

He also suggested the county could become more involved in neighborhood beautification and redevelopment initiatives around Atlantic City.

Host Scott Cronick noted that County Executive Dennis Levinson has previously argued the state's takeover of Atlantic City has limited the county's role in city affairs. Suleiman acknowledged that position but maintained that stronger regional cooperation remains necessary.

"I think the county thinks it's really an Atlantic City-state problem," Suleiman said. "But it's an everybody problem."

He said the region's growing homelessness crisis is one example.

"The homeless problem... is coming to the mainland," Suleiman said, citing areas of Galloway Township where he believes the issue has become more visible. Rather than simply relocating homeless individuals, he said government should focus on treatment, employment and housing.

"We need to help those people," he said. "These are folks who need to get drug treatment, get them jobs, get them a roof over their head... not be cruel, but actually help these folks."

Suleiman concluded that the county, Atlantic City, state government, casinos and nonprofit organizations all have a role to play in shaping the region's future.

"My feeling is... it kind of requires everybody working together," he said. "We should be all in this thing together instead of we're going it alone."

Suleiman served as chairman of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee for 10 years before stepping down earlier this year. He has publicly indicated he is considering seeking higher office but has not formally announced a campaign.