Christopher Pollak has won election to the Jackson Township Council, securing a decisive victory in the November 4 general election and earning what he describes as a clear mandate for change.
According to unofficial results, Pollak received 12,845 votes, or 61.84% of the total, defeating fellow newcomer Alfred Couceiro, who garnered 7,823 votes, or 37.6%. The seat became vacant earlier this year following the death of Councilman Scott Sargent, whose term was set to expire at the end of 2026.
At a recent Township Council meeting, Council President Mordecai Burnstein formally congratulated Pollak on his win, noting that the election results are expected to be certified on November 24. Pollak is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in at the council’s November 25 meeting.
“We look forward to working with him, and we look forward to working together for all of our residents,” Burnstein said.
Pollak, 41, has lived in Jackson for seven years and brings a diverse professional background to local government. He owns and operates a martial arts school in town. He has also managed businesses, mentored students, and previously led a local chapter of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer organization focused on community safety.
Pollak said those experiences shaped his decision to seek office and his approach to leadership.
“I’ve been a fighter both in and out of the ring, and that fighting spirit carries into my approach to life and politics,” Pollak said. “I’m ready to fight for what’s right, stand up to the establishment, and serve the people of Jackson.”
In interviews before and after Election Day, Pollak emphasized that his loyalty would be to township residents rather than to political parties or insiders. While he described himself as right-leaning and a registered Republican, he said he does not place blind trust in either party.
“I want to do what is right for the people,” he said. “I will work with the rest of the council when it benefits the people of Jackson, and I will stand firmly against them when it does not.”
Transparency and accountability, Pollak said, will be central to his time on the council. He has pledged to keep residents informed, call out conflicts of interest, and challenge decisions he believes favor special interests over the broader community.
“I think this is a mandate from the people who want change,” Pollak said following the election. “Too often, decisions are made for the benefit of special interests instead of the people who actually live here. We need real voices and everyday people willing to step up and fight for the community.”
During previous council meetings, Pollak publicly criticized Mayor Jennifer Kuhn and Council President Burnstein over what he characterized as conflicts of interest related to development-related votes. Both officials have denied those allegations.
Despite campaign tensions, Pollak said he is prepared to work collaboratively when cooperation serves the public good.
“When cooperation can benefit the people, I’ll gladly work side by side with others to make it happen,” he said.
Pollak said he did not enter the race to become a career politician but out of concern for the future direction of the township.
“Like so many residents, I’m worried about where our town is headed,” he said. “I ran because I believe Jackson deserves leaders who are willing to stand up, speak out, and fight for the people who call this place home.”
