Jackson: Chris Pollak Wins Township Council Seat Amid Tensions Over Orthodox Relations

Chris Pollak has captured a seat on the Jackson, NJ Township Council in a close and hard-fought election that reflected deep divisions within the community. The victory came after a campaign marked by sharp rhetoric and a stark split in voter support, with most Orthodox Jewish residents backing Pollak’s opponent, Al Couceiro.

Orthodox Jewish voters overwhelmingly supported Al Couceiro, while non-Jewish and “Jackson Strong” voters largely rallied behind Pollak.

Pollak, who has publicly aligned himself with the “Jackson Strong” faction of local politics, has been a vocal critic of what he calls unchecked development and government mismanagement. The “Jackson Strong” group, however, has also drawn criticism for frequently framing Orthodox Jewish population growth as the source of all local challenges.

Before entering politics, Pollak gained attention under the moniker “Dark Guardian,” a self-styled vigilante who patrolled New York City streets years ago to deter crime. His campaign in Jackson focused on reforming local governance, tightening zoning enforcement, and opposing what he described as “corporate takeovers and irresponsible development.”

Among his stated policy goals were promoting what he called “responsible development,” expanding buffer zones to preserve neighborhoods, and raising developer fees to fund infrastructure improvements. Pollak also vowed to “strengthen code enforcement,” target illegal rentals and lawn parking, and bolster local police in enforcing traffic and quality-of-life ordinances.

His platform further called for strict term limits — two terms for both mayor and council members — and an expansion of conflict-of-interest laws. He also advocated for greater transparency in township decision-making and more direct engagement with residents through open town halls.

On zoning issues, Pollak pledged to ensure what he termed “one set of rules for everyone,” opposing special variances and calling for clearer definitions to prevent overcrowding in residential areas. His campaign repeatedly emphasized accountability, public disclosure, and communication as key to “building a government that works.”

{Matzav.com}