In a surprising and controversial development, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small was seen at the scene of a police incident on Wednesday evening, which reportedly involved his daughter. The situation has raised eyebrows, particularly given Small’s ongoing legal troubles and his role as the civilian director of public safety for Atlantic City.
The incident took place around 5:00 p.m. on the 1600 block of Gramercy Avenue (also known as Michigan Avenue) in Atlantic City. Activist Steve Young, who was present at the scene, reported that Mayor Small arrived in a large SUV, which had been paid for by Atlantic City taxpayers. Young immediately confronted the mayor, telling him that his conduct was inappropriate, given his public role and the use of taxpayer resources.
Mayor Small’s Involvement in the Incident
According to Young, Mayor Small had been called to the scene after receiving a phone call that his daughter was in distress. Small allegedly told Young that he would not leave until he had spoken to his daughter. As of the last reports, an adult at the residence told police that Small’s daughter was not at the address, complicating the situation further.
In addition to the personal nature of the incident, Mayor Small’s involvement is particularly controversial because he is currently facing multiple criminal indictments, including charges related to child abuse and witness tampering, involving his own daughter. These legal issues have been publicly known for some time, and this latest development only adds fuel to the fire.
The Police Response
The Atlantic City Police Department was on-site to handle the incident. At one point, as many as 10 police officers were present. However, the department is in a difficult position, given Small’s dual role as the mayor and the civilian director of public safety. This puts the police in a challenging situation, as they are tasked with ensuring public safety while also answering to a mayor who is deeply embroiled in personal legal issues.
Steve Young, who has been vocal about his concerns regarding Small’s actions, expressed frustration at the mayor’s behavior. He stated that the presence of Mayor Small at the scene was not appropriate, given the circumstances. “This is not good for the Mayor to be on the scene under these circumstances,” Young said. He also reported that Small had threatened him during the encounter, saying, “You’re next.”
Ethical Concerns and Abuse of Power
One of the major concerns arising from this incident is the apparent misuse of public resources. Young criticized Small for using his office and taxpayer-funded city property for personal matters, calling it an abuse of power. “I’m sick of him using his office and city taxpayer property for his own personal benefit and directing the police department for his own personal use,” Young said.
The situation has also caused a stir among local officials, with members of the Atlantic City Council reportedly aware of the unfolding drama. Given the sensitive nature of the mayor’s involvement, there are increasing calls for the state of New Jersey to intervene and remove Marty Small from his supervisory role over the Atlantic City Police Department.
Police Doing Their Job
It’s important to note that the Atlantic City Police Department has been handling the situation professionally. Despite the drama surrounding the mayor’s actions, the officers at the scene are simply doing their job. They are focused on addressing the immediate issue at hand and ensuring public safety, without getting involved in the politics of the situation.
As of the latest reports, a K9 officer from the Atlantic City Police Department remained stationed outside the residence where the incident took place. The police are continuing to investigate the matter, but no further details have been released.
The Call for Change
Given the ongoing legal issues surrounding Mayor Small and the growing concerns over his conduct, many believe that it is time for the state to step in. The mayor’s involvement in this latest incident highlights the dysfunctionality in the city’s leadership. Critics argue that it is no longer acceptable for a public official to be involved in such controversial situations, particularly when they have been accused of criminal behavior.
As the investigation into the police incident continues, the future of Marty Small’s role in Atlantic City remains uncertain. The situation has raised serious ethical concerns about the abuse of power and public trust, and many residents are hoping for a resolution that will restore confidence in the city’s leadership.
In the meantime, Mayor Small has left the scene, but his actions on that evening have sparked a broader conversation about accountability and the proper use of public office. The people of Atlantic City, and the state of New Jersey, may soon face difficult decisions regarding the future of the city’s leadership.
(Source: newsbreak.com)
