"Has the Tropicana proved that it has met the standards of goodcharacter and financial responsibility required under New Jerseylicensing standards? My review of the record is that they havefailed woefully," said commission chairperson Linda M. Kassekertyesterday in remarks after the vote. "In a word, Tropicana'sregulatory performance over the past year has been abysmal."

Owner Columbia Sussex, based in Crestview Hills, KY, acquiredthe property at the beginning of this year as part of the larger$3-billionacquisition of Aztar Corp. Since then, the new ownership has raisedquestions involving major layoffs that have occurred, as well asthe cleanliness of the property and its guest rooms.

"Staffing was slashed in pursuit of profit," Kassekert saidyesterday. "Cleanliness was disregarded in order to meet apredetermined bottom line. Customer service was dismissed."