Mayors of Atlantic City, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mayor of Atlantic City |
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Flag of the City of Atlantic City
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Seal of the City of Atlantic City
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| Term length | Four years |
| Formation | May 1, 1854 |
| First holder | Chalkley Steelman Leeds |
| Salary | $103,000 |
Welcome to Atlantic City! This famous New Jersey city became an official town on May 1, 1854. It is run by a special type of local government called the mayor–council system. This system started on July 1, 1982.
In Atlantic City, the mayor is like the city's main leader. They work with the Atlantic City City Council to make important decisions. The City Council is made up of nine members. Six of these members are chosen from different areas (called "wards") of the city. The other three are chosen to represent the whole city. All Council members serve for four years.
The City Council's job is to create new rules and plans for the city. They also look at the money plans (budgets) that the Mayor suggests. They make sure the city's money is handled correctly each year. Plus, they hold public meetings to talk about important issues that affect everyone in Atlantic City. Since 1854, Atlantic City has had 41 different mayors!
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What Does a Mayor Do?
A mayor is the top elected official in a city. Think of them as the city's chief executive. Their main job is to lead the city government and make sure everything runs smoothly. This includes things like managing city services, working with the police and fire departments, and overseeing public works projects.
Working with the City Council
The mayor and the City Council work together to govern Atlantic City. While the mayor leads the city's day-to-day operations, the City Council makes the laws. They introduce new rules (called ordinances) and decisions (called resolutions) that help guide the city. It's a team effort to make sure Atlantic City is a great place to live and visit.
Notable Mayors of Atlantic City
Atlantic City has had many leaders throughout its history. Here are a few who played important roles:
- Chalkley Steelman Leeds was the very first mayor of Atlantic City, starting his term on May 1, 1854. He served two terms, helping to set up the city's early government.
- Willard Wright served as mayor multiple times, showing his lasting influence in the city's early years.
- Franklin Pierce Stoy was known as the "Dandy Mayor." He served several terms and was a councilman before becoming mayor. He passed away while serving in his second term.
- Edward Lawrence Bader was another mayor who passed away while in office.
- Joseph Altman holds the record for the longest-serving mayor of Atlantic City. He served for 23 years, from 1944 to 1967! He also passed away while in office.
- James Leroy Usry made history as the first African-American mayor of Atlantic City. He served from 1984 to 1990.
- Marty Small Sr. is the current mayor of Atlantic City. He took office in 2019 and continues to lead the city today.
How Mayors Are Chosen
Mayors in Atlantic City are elected by the people. This means citizens vote for who they want to be their leader. Once elected, a mayor serves for a specific period, which is four years in Atlantic City.
Images for kids
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Marty Small Sr., the current Mayor of Atlantic City.
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The official flag of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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The official seal of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
