TRENTON Gov. Christie on Tuesday signed an executive
order to extend the life of the New Jersey Gaming, Sports, and Entertainment
Advisory Commission to Dec. 31, 2015, rather than letting it expire on the
issuance of its final report. The panel advises the governor on key casino and
sports development projects in the state.
Key Christie ally and fund-raiser Jon Hanson was
appointed by Christie in 2010 to lead the seven-member commission. It has been
charged with leading critical studies for the governor, including Atlantic
City's transformation into having less reliance on gambling.
Hanson and Christie stood together in summer 2010 on the
Boardwalk to announce a five-year revitalization plan for Atlantic City that
included a state-run tourism district. That plan expires in February, less than
two months from the commission's new expiration date.
The commission is conducting a study over a multiday
summit Christie convened in Atlantic City. The summit, begun in early November,
is intended to gather ideas on the city's future amid four casino closings this
year. The third day of the summit is scheduled for next month.
Hanson's panel is also likely to play a key role as the
state decides whether to end Atlantic City's 36-year state monopoly on gambling
by allowing casinos in North Jersey. Proponents want that issue to go before
state voters as a referendum on the November ballot.
Source: Philly.com
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