Michael J. Matthews, American lawyer and politician; 34th Mayor of Atlantic City (b. 1934)

Michael J. Matthews, born on January 7, 1934, and who passed away on January 2, 2014, was an American politician whose career was notably marked by a brief yet controversial tenure as the Mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

A member of the Democratic Party, Matthews ascended to the city's highest office in 1982. His mayoral term, which lasted a mere 21 months until 1984, coincided with a pivotal and transformative era for Atlantic City. During this period, the city was undergoing rapid development and economic expansion primarily driven by the proliferation of legalized casino gambling. This influx of investment and business activity created a dynamic environment but also, unfortunately, presented heightened risks for political influence and potential corruption.

Matthews's time in office was abruptly concluded when he became the subject of a successful recall election. This action, a relatively rare occurrence in American municipal politics for a sitting mayor, underscored a significant loss of public trust and widespread discontent with his administration among the Atlantic City electorate. The recall was directly precipitated by serious accusations that eventually led to his conviction and subsequent imprisonment for extortion. Matthews was found to have leveraged his powerful position as mayor to unlawfully obtain money or other favors, an egregious abuse of public trust that exploited the very economic opportunities meant to benefit the city.

His conviction for crimes committed during his active service in office served as a stark and sobering reminder of the constant vigilance required to maintain ethical governance, especially amidst periods of rapid economic growth, and the ongoing imperative to combat public corruption. Matthews's case remains a significant and cautionary chapter in the political history of Atlantic City, unequivocally underscoring the profound accountability expected of all public officials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael J. Matthews

Who was Michael J. Matthews?

Michael J. Matthews was an American politician who served as the Mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the early 1980s. His career concluded with a conviction for extortion.

When was Michael J. Matthews mayor of Atlantic City?

He served as the mayor of Atlantic City for 21 months, from 1982 to 1984.

Why was Michael J. Matthews recalled from office?

He was recalled from office following a successful public petition due to significant public discontent and mounting accusations that ultimately led to his conviction for extortion committed during his tenure.

What crime was Michael J. Matthews imprisoned for?

Michael J. Matthews was imprisoned for extortion, a crime involving the use of his mayoral office to unlawfully obtain money or favors through coercion or threats.

What was the political and economic climate in Atlantic City during Matthews's term?

His tenure occurred during a period of intense economic growth and transformation in Atlantic City, primarily driven by the expansion of legalized casino gambling, which brought significant investment but also created heightened opportunities for political corruption.