Turtle Creek Mayor Walks Borough To Confront Issues

Map of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United ...

Map of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States with township and municipal boundaries (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Turtle Creek Mayor Adam Forgie said that in order to fix the problems in the borough of 6,400 people, he needs to see them.

Three weeks ago, he began what he calls the “Walk and Talk” initiative — residents can call the mayor’s office and schedule a tour of their street with Mr. Forgie, during which they can point out and discuss concerns.

Mr. Forgie, who grew up in Turtle Creek and is now a history teacher at the Woodland Hills Academy in the borough, said the complaints from residents range from unkempt lawns to drug deals in alleys.

While an overgrown yard might seem minor, the mayor said he understands residents’ frustration.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-east/turtle-creek-mayor-walks-borough-to-confront-issues-703046/#ixzz2egxuSlZA

New Jersey Casino Deregulation Bill Eliminates Jobs – Saves Casinos Money

Christie in 2008

Image via Wikipedia

Governor Chris Christie signed a new casino deregulation bill which is aimed at bringing New Jersey into line with the rest of the county.  The outdated New Jersey regulations were costing casinos a great deal of money by requiring round-the-clock inspectors at the states eleven casinos.  The original laws were written back in 1978!

80% of casino inspectors are being laid off on March 25th.  More may follow.  The Division of Gaming Enforcement is taking over these duties.  Gamblers will now either phone Trenton or fill out a complaint form instead of tracking down the inspector on duty.

The new regulations also cut minimum staffing levels for casino security officers, surveillance personnel and pit bosses.  Casinos will now have more money to spend on marketing.  With states like Pennsylvania adding casinos, New Jersey gambling revenues are down.