Atlantic City takeover threat reopens residents’ old wounds

Since long before the first casino went up, there has been a strong feeling of being left out and left behind among the mostly minority population of Atlantic City.

Now the city is on the verge of going broke. A proposed state takeover of the resort’s finances and major decision-making power is further rankling many residents who fear they will lose what little voice they now have over their own affairs.

Republican Gov. Chris Christie says the city has spent itself into oblivion, adding the state needs to impose fiscal discipline on it.

But residents say they fear their voices will no longer matter.