Landlords Vent Over Reading’s Quality-Of-Life Program

Reading City Hall on the NRHP since April 13, 1982. At 8th and Washington Streets, Reading, Pennsylvania (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mayor Vaughn D. Spencer walked into the lion’s den Tuesday night, answering hardball questions hurled by local landlords in the Real Estate Investors Association.

They were angry at the $505 cost of a half-hour codes inspection for a rental property.

They were livid at what they called the Gestapo mentality of city inspectors, and warned that sooner or later some landlord will hurt them because of their attitudes.

But they vented mostly about the quality-of-life program, with its $25-and-more tickets, which began in early 2011.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=383644

New Jersey Casino Deregulation Bill Eliminates Jobs – Saves Casinos Money

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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  The outdated New Jersey regulations were costing casinos a great deal of money by requiring round-the-clock inspectors at the states eleven casinos.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 25^th.  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.