New Jersey Assemblyman and former Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian joins Mike Lopez for a wide-ranging conversation about Atlantic City’s past, present and future.

Guardian reflects on his journey from the Special Improvement District to City Hall and the New Jersey Legislature, including the hands-on community work that shaped his approach to leadership. He and Mike discuss homelessness, community policing and why a visible public-safety presence matters to residents, visitors and local businesses alike.

The conversation also turns to the growing competition facing Atlantic City. With new casinos coming to New York and proposals for additional gaming and convention facilities in North Jersey, Guardian explains what could be at stake for Atlantic City’s jobs, casinos, restaurants and surrounding industries.

They also explore what Atlantic City needs to remain competitive, including improvements to the Convention Center, a first-class 500-room connected hotel and greater economic diversification through healthcare, education, technology, aviation and film production.

In this episode:

• Don Guardian’s path from community service to elected office

• Addressing homelessness with outreach and long-term support

• Public safety and the need for additional visible police officers

• How New York and North Jersey casinos could affect Atlantic City

• The case for protecting Atlantic City’s convention business

• Why the city needs a connected 500-room convention hotel

• Creating new industries and better-paying local jobs

• Working across party lines to serve South Jersey

• Don and Mike’s favorite Atlantic City restaurants

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Learn more about AC Mike: https://acmikenj.com

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