William Marsh

Council President William "Speedy" Marsh (foreground) and Councilman Dennis Mason, left.

ATLANTIC CITY – It’s an ancient political maxim that the closer you are to Caesar, the greater the fear, but in Atlantic City – with its recent record of mostly jailed or otherwise tarnished mayors – the saying might as well be the closer you are to Caesar’s Palace, the greater the brazenness. 

Council President William “Speedy” Marsh knows whoever takes on the job next year is going to have all the challenges intrinsic to the resort town – coupled with economic issues that are likely to present even tougher hurdles. 

“Forget about the next four years, I’m talking about the next four months,” he told PolitickerNJ.com.

Atlantic City Councilman Marty Small on his way to Wednesday evening's council meeting in City Hall.

ATLANTIC CITY – Local basketball and baseball star turned 2nd Ward City Councilman Marty Small wants to be mayor of Atlantic City, and says he intends to win the Democratic nomination next year.

“I’m running,” Small told PolitickerNJ.com on his way to Wednesday evening’s council meeting in City Hall on Bacharach Blvd. 

Atlantic County insiders say Small has a good shot. He’s well-known in his hometown and was a vigorous backer of President-elect Barack Obama. 

As the incumbent, Mayor Lorenzo Langford is regarded as the favorite in a mayoral contest. But if Council President William “Speedy” Marsh gets in the race, Small could seize the advantage.

Atlantic City Councilmen Bruce Ward is asking the state Superior Court to declare the Office of the Mayor vacant, which would permit City Council President William Marsh to assume the position of acting mayor.

Mayor Bob Levy signed seven ordinances and then disappeared from public view on Wednesday, September 26, amid rumors that the federal government is investigating his service record benefits. His attorney, Edwin Jacobs, has said that Levy is in an undisclosed medical facility.