If Carl Icahn has his way, executives at Trump Taj Mahal may have to start updating their resumes. Tropicana Atlantic City President 
Anthony Rodio is expected to add the Taj to his portfolio as well. It’s well past time that inept Trump Entertainment Resorts managers were sent packing and the advent of Rodio would actually inspire hope for a turnaround at the Taj, similar to what he has achieved at the Trop.
In addition, many more details have emerged on the Trop’s $25 million renovation. These include “spa-inspired bathrooms with large walk-in showers and modern artwork in the rooms.” Meanwhile, Borgata‘s planned “Roman-style pool” will cannibalize space formerly occupied by an al fresco concert stage. “The occasional concerts simply did not provide us a profitable option,” Borgata veep Joe Lupo told reporters.
Gov. Chris Christie (R) has resurrected some elements of an Atlantic City rescue plan he pocket vetoed and stirred them into state Senate
President Stephen Sweeney‘s Boardwalk takeover package. The Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program has re-emerged, as has the 
re-direction of $30 million in former Atlantic City Alliance monies toward the retirement of municipal debt. This time, Christie promises, he will sign the bill, especially if it reaches his debt by Leap Day. “While there’s been much rumored about bankruptcy that is clearly not my preference. It’s not the senate president’s preference. And it’s not the mayor’s goal,” he said. Putting his best face on the matter, Mayor Don Guardian (R) called the impending, new status quo a “partnership” rather than the takeover it clearly is.
* Calling MGM Resorts International “a laggard amongst the large cap gaming names,” Deutsche Bank analyst Carlo Santarelli came to the lion’s defense today. Of all the reasons for a bearish attitude toward MGM, the only one with which he was in accord was a dearth of free cash flow to retire the company’s high leverage, “though this point could have been made for several years now.” However, despite potential greater-than-expected declines in Las Vegas and Macao, Santarelli is keeping a “buy” rating on the stock.
