ATLANTIC CITY — Naeem Ahmed Khan believes it takes a business mind to run the resort effectively, which is why he wants to be the one to take the city that “runs in his blood” into the future.
“If you look at the past, when you used to come to Atlantic City, you couldn’t even get in there; it used to be that busy,” the Republican Khan said. “I feel right now that Atlantic City is in a pretty bad situation. You have crime issues, drug issues, and most of the roads are bumpy. If Atlantic City is not doing good, the whole county feels that effect. I challenge everyone to walk Atlantic Avenue and see how some people are living. Atlantic City needs to be fixed.”
Khan, 41, owner of Garden State Fuels, will face off against incumbent Democratic Mayor Marty Small Sr. in the Nov. 4 general election. He is on a ticket with Ron Bailey, an EMT and Board of Education member, and Sayed Kauser, another local business owner.
Businesswoman Lisa Klassman was originally on the ballot with Khan but withdrew for personal reasons, the campaign said.
“The response has been good so far,” Khan said. “People are supporting me because they want a better future and want to give a businessman a chance.”
In a sit-down interview Tuesday, Khan highlighted how his administration would tackle the city’s major issues, including crime, finances and marijuana.
Khan moved to the city after owning businesses in New York with his brother. He then worked at Garden State Fuels and was a manager for nearly a decade before purchasing the business and the oil company on the same property in the West Atlantic City section of Egg Harbor Township.
Khan said he’s seen the crime problem explode over the years despite statistics showing a drop-off year to year, including an 8% dip between 2023 and 2024. To ensure residents and tourists alike feel safe, Khan said he plans to hire more police and give them the authority to address crime. He also plans to make sure all streets have adequate lighting and public works employees are out and about cleaning the streets on a regular basis.
Atlantic City Council on Wednesday night introduced an ordinance to establish a cap on the number of retail cannabis dispensaries in the resort.
“People have to feel safe, and once they start doing so, Atlantic City will be better,” Khan said. “When people come in now on the expressway, they go to Hard Rock or they go to Resorts and don’t come out. If they do come out, they don’t walk and take an Uber or a taxi to go between casinos. If you go back five or six years, businesses on the Boardwalk would stay open until 2 or 3 a.m. But now when 12 a.m. comes around, I don’t see a lot of people on the Boardwalk. We also need to have more lights because I walked almost every block over the last three months and there is a lot of darkness.”
Atlantic City has been under state supervision since 2016, and the state Local Finance Board last week voted to continue that oversight until at least next year. The Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act gives the state broad oversight of the city’s finances, including the ability to break union contracts and fire workers.
Upon installment, Khan said he’ll call for a financial audit for the past 10 years to determine how much money the city generates and where it’s being spent. His goal is to work with the next governor so the resort can control its own destiny within the next two to three years.
“I don’t know the last time there was an audit,” Khan said. “We have to see that first to determine whether we need help from the state or we need help from the federal government. Maybe there are a lot of things we can cut so we can fix the finances, and then we won’t need help from the state. But if we aren’t generating enough, then of course we need the help.”
Marijuana has been a hot topic since New Jersey residents voted to legalize it in 2020. Recreational cannabis sales began in the city in 2023.
City Council voted 7-0 Wednesday to introduce an ordinance to cap the number of cannabis dispensaries in the resort at 16, with four microbusinesses and 12 annual licenses.
There are 15 cannabis dispensaries open in the city, with approvals for two more. And the city has far exceeded the proposed cap in the number of cannabis business applications, with local statements of support for more than 60 businesses, a necessary step toward receiving a license through the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
In addition to the 15 cannabis retailers in Atlantic City, the commission’s website shows two cultivators and one manufacturer. Two of the retail businesses include an approved consumption lounge.
Hundreds joined local first responders Thursday morning in Atlantic City to remember those who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Khan stressed that his administration would not shut down anyone already open, but he believes a cap is necessary.
“There has to be a stop now,” Khan said. “Whatever we have, fine, because I understand people spend a lot of money, and it’s not easy with the state regulations, the fees and the attorneys. It takes a lot to open a dispensary, so I will never close anybody. But as mayor, I should have a common sense about how many I’m going to approve because how many people realistically want to smoke?”
Khan has hosted multiple community events in the past month, including a back-to-school drive and a pop-up barbecue. He expects to host similar events in the coming weeks.
Contact John O’Connor:
609-272-7247
joconnor@pressofac.com
X @acpressoconnor
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