Atlantic City Council President Marty Small sworn in as new mayor

Atlantic City has a new mayor.
City Council President Marty Small was sworn in Friday, a day after fellow Democrat Frank Gilliam Jr. pleaded guilty to stealing $87,000 from a youth basketball club he founded. He resigned hours later.
Gilliam admitted stealing money that was purportedly for the basketball team and for school supplies for poor children. But prosecutors say he used it on trips, fancy clothes and other personal expenses.
Gov. Phil Murphy called on Gilliam to resign. He says that Atlantic City has seen a lot of progress lately and that it is time to move on with a new mayor.
“This progress can only continue with leadership whose sole focus is on what he or she can do for the betterment of all residents of Atlantic City and not for themselves,” Murphy said.
Small has run several times for mayor and lost a primary to Gilliam in 2017.
Small himself has been charged twice with election-related fraud in cases he maintains were politically motivated. He was acquitted both times.
The city has a long, colorful history of corruption among its elected officials dating back to the turn of the century.
Gilliam said in his resignation letter, "I would like to apologize to the residents of the great city of Atlantic City who deserve stability and respect. My sincere apologies to each constituent that voted for me and had high hopes in my tenure.”
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.