JACKSON – Two candidates are running in the November 4 general election for one council seat. The Jackson Times reached out to Chris Pollak and Al Couceiro requesting details of their background why they want a spot on the dais.
The vacant seat was occupied by Councilman Scott Sargent whose term would have ended on December 31, 2026. He died in May following heart surgery and his spot on the council was filled by former Councilman Kenneth Bressi who is not running for the position.
Christopher Pollak
“My name is Christopher Pollak. I’m a father, husband, and concerned resident of Jackson. I’m 41 years old and I have lived in Jackson for about seven years. By trade, I’m a building maintenance unit mechanic, and I also own and operate a martial arts school in town.”
“Over the years, I’ve managed businesses, trained and mentored students, and led a chapter of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer organization dedicated to community safety and service. I’ve been a fighter both in and out of the ring, and that fighting spirit carries into my approach to life and politics. I’m ready to fight for what’s right, stand up to the establishment, and serve the people of Jackson,” he added.
Pollak said “I’m not running because I want to be a politician. Honestly, I can’t stand them. They are fake and self-serving. I’m running because I feel I have to fight back against the people selling out our town. Like so many other residents, I’m concerned about the future of Jackson. Most people are not happy with the direction our town is headed in.”
“Too often, I see decisions being made for the benefit of special interests instead of the people who actually live here. I believe we need real voices and everyday people that are willing to step up and fight for the community. That’s why I’m running, to make sure the people of Jackson are heard and put first,” he added.
As to his thoughts about the most pressing issue currently facing the township, Pollak responded that it is “a lack of leadership that truly represents and listens to the people. Residents feel ignored while development, conflicts of interest, and political games take priority. First thing is to listen to residents’ concerns and the issues affecting them. It starts with leaders who put people before politics.”
“This governing body will not address this issue. It’s apparent in everything they do. They are motivated by money, power, and influence over what the people who live here want. They need to start saying no to projects that don’t benefit residents,” the candidate said.
Pollak added, “they should hold open town hall meetings and have real back and forth conversations. They should implement term limits to stop making politics a career. They should recuse themselves when there is a conflict of interest. This council needs someone who is not afraid to speak up and fight for the people. That’s who I intend to be.”
As to how he’d work with the rest of the Township Council he remarked that he would “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. I’m not interested in making friends, playing politics, or keeping the peace for the sake of appearances.”
“My loyalty will be to the people of Jackson. That means calling out conflicts of interest, keeping residents informed about what’s happening, and speaking up for what’s best for our town. At the same time, when cooperation can benefit the people, I’ll gladly work side by side with others to make it happen,” he added.
Al Couceiro
“My name is Al Couceiro, I am 44, and I have lived in Jackson for over three decades. For most of my adult life, I have been dedicated to public service as a first responder. I currently serve as Chief of Jackson Township EMS, overseeing an organization that responds to more than 6,000 emergency calls per year.”
He added that he chairs the Jackson Board of Fire Commissioners #4, “where I was elected in 2020, and I have served with our local and county Offices of Emergency Management. My decades of experience managing budgets, staffing, and emergency operations have prepared me to bring strong leadership, accountability, and a service first mindset to the Township Council.”
Couceiro said he was running for the council spot because “I am tired of the status quo. I believe Jackson deserves leadership that protects our town’s character, prioritizes public safety, and ensures that our tax dollars are spent wisely.”
“I’ve spent my life running toward emergencies when my neighbors needed me most. Now, I want to bring that same dedication to the Town Council to make sure our community’s needs are not ignored. My campaign is about putting Jackson first and working to preserve the values and quality of life that make Jackson such a special place to call home,” he added.
He noted that the most pressing issue facing Jackson is overdevelopment “and the strain it places on our schools, roads, open space, and public services. We can’t continue to allow growth without proper planning and accountability.”
“The governing body should be pushing back against unfunded and unfair state mandates, strengthening local planning and zoning policies, ensuring current ordinances are enforced, and prioritizing preservation of open space while supporting responsible business growth. Jackson’s future depends on smart, balanced decisions,” the candidate added.
When asked how he would work with the rest of the Township Council the candidate responded, “No one gets anything done alone. I’ll work with every member of the council, regardless of differences, by listening first and finding common ground and when disagreements come up, I know how to make my case, earn trust, and gather a consensus so we can move forward.”
Couceiro said his goal was to focus on “what unites us, protecting and improving Jackson. I believe in open communication, transparency, and respect. At the end of the day, this isn’t about politics; it’s about doing what’s best for Jackson and the people who live here.”
