Press of Atlantic City: Elect Jim Whelan

Yesterday, the Press of Atlantic City strongly endorsed Jim Whelan for state Senate.

2nd District Senate Race / Elect James Whelan 

Atlantic County has had some powerhouse state senators over the past few decades, including Hap Farley, Steve Perskie and Bill Gormley. They were from different parties, but shared this: the imagination, pragmatism and political skills needed to advance - and protect - Atlantic County's interests in a Legislature that was sometimes indifferent to the region.

They are a tough act to follow. But we believe Democratic state Assemblyman James Whelan is better able to fill the role than his opponent, state Sen. James "Sonny" McCullough. 

Whelan has been assemblyman for two years and was mayor of Atlantic City for 12 years. In Atlantic City, he was a rare breed: a mayor who left office without an ethical stain or criminal charge. 

As mayor, Whelan demonstrated the political skills to make things happen. He worked in a bipartisan way with diverse people and interest groups. As assemblyman, he has shown the ability, at times, to think creatively in order to sidestep legislative obstacles: He is attempting, for example, to find a realistic approach to preventing another casino shutdown, after one approach was considered unconstitutional. Another proposal by Whelan, to require all governmental records be put online, has gotten statewide attention for promoting more open government. 

Whelan, a public school teacher, has demonstrated at times both political courage and leadership. He actively supported changes to public-employee pensions and benefits that were recommended by a special legislative committee (and later shot down by Gov. Jon S. Corzine), even going one-on-one with the head of the teachers union. That position made him some enemies in a Democratic constituency, but it was the right thing to do for taxpayers. 

Then there's the issue of former Atlantic City Mayor Bob Levy. Whelan took flak for calling on Levy to resign or come forward - but he understood the investment community is skittish about a leadership vacuum. 

McCullough was appointed eight months ago to fill Gormley's unexpired term. 

McCullough is a people-oriented and popular politician. But he's more a constant critic than a thoughtful problem-solver. He spent much of his time as Egg Harbor Township mayor railing against the Pinelands Commission rather than working with the agency to find creative solutions. He's spent much of his time in the Statehouse and on the campaign trail criticizing Democrats. That record doesn't suggest he could work in a bipartisan fashion to push Atlantic County's interests. 

Whelan is vulnerable to charges that by accepting so much money from Camden County Democrats, he is controlled by them. But McCullough can give only one example of when he believes Whelan sided with Camden County against Atlantic County's interests: the 2006 budget impasse that triggered a casino shutdown. Whelan said his position was a matter of principle, that he believed the sales-tax increase should go to property-tax reform. He has never hidden the fact that he has long been friendly with Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., D-Camden. 

Whelan has a long record in politics of being independent - as well as being above corruption. And, tellingly, Whelan has the endorsement of Local 54, the union representing local casino workers. They apparently believe Whelan would work in their best interests. And so do we. 

Of the two candidates, Whelan seems the best able to actively and effectively represent Atlantic County.