And, most significantly, will residents finally reap the benefits of casino gambling?
Outside Boardwalk Hall on Wednesday, the pageantry and casting showed the seaside resort at its insider-y best, with hundreds of casino employees, politicians, lawyers, tourists - pretty much everybody.
"This is absolutely historic," said former State Sen. William Gormley, who recalled Byrne's seaside bill-signing in 1977. "He's creating a national business model."
Gormley agreed that Christie was hearkening to an earlier era, when political bosses "focused on the 'product' " of Atlantic City. But, given the governor's prior job as U.S. attorney, Gormley quipped, "I don't think Nucky and he would have gotten along."
John Brenner 3d, a retired fire captain, showed up just for the theater of it all and was not disappointed. The town was on top of its game.
"The show's always on in Atlantic City," Brenner said. "It's always live."
Contact staff writer Amy S. Rosenberg at 609-823-0453 or arosenberg@phillynews.com.
