Jackson, NJ – Chris Pollak, a Brooklyn-born self-styled superhero cosplaying vigilante turned political hopeful, has resurfaced recently at a town hall meeting in Jackson.
Kicking off his campaign with a dramatic appearance at a recent town hall meeting, Pollak’s unconventional past and fiery rhetoric have already stirred debate in the community.
Pollak, who gained notoriety in New York City for his superhero vigilante activities, arrived late to the town hall meeting and made a brief appearance where he launched multiple accusations against the township.
In a campaign video capturing his speech, he lambasted the township government for what he called systemic failures, accusing officials of mismanagement and cronyism. However, his remarks offered no concrete solutions to the issues he raised, drawing criticism from attendees and local observers. After delivering his speech, Pollak abruptly stormed out, spending just minutes at the event, a move that some described as theatrical but others called dismissive.
Invoking his Brooklyn roots and his time patrolling the streets of New York City as a masked vigilante, Pollak vowed to make changes.
During his years in the city, Pollak became a polarizing figure, known for intervening in minor crimes and public disputes while donning a costume inspired by comic book heroes. He formed a small group of sidekicks called “Ronin” where the dressed up and confronted drug dealers.
According to reports, he often sprayed his victims with “Liquid Ass”, a synthetic ‘fart spray’ if they did not comply with his orders.
Pollak whips a bottle out of his pocket and shows it to me. “Bought it on Amazon for like five bucks,” he says. “Kind of interested to see how bad it smells.” The spray, called “Liquid Ass,” is a popular prank spray that emulates the smell of, well…you get the picture. Pollak explains that he wants to spray the area where the suspected
dealer was standing in a light-hearted attempt to keep them away. “I don’t give up,” Pollak says, laughing. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep these guys out of
here.”
Source: SUNY University
His actions, which included confronting drug dealers and calling out quality of life issues in the city, earned him a small but dedicated following online, though critics accused him of reckless vigilantism that skirted legal boundaries.
Pollak fought for justice in the streets of Brooklyn, and say’s he’ll fight for it here in Jackson.
Some members of the township council have been embroiled in a feud between Mayor Michael Reina and the Jackson Council, centered on a controversial ordinance to block high-density development at Adventure Crossing, a project owned by Vito Cardinale, a close ally of the mayor.
Later, it got worse when Reina applied to become the new business administrator in Jackson, according to township records.
The council declined.
The council’s decision to reject Reina’s bid to serve simultaneously as mayor and business administrator further deepened the rift.
Both Pollak and Reina, who share a Brooklyn upbringing, have downplayed speculation that their relationship signals an alliance.
Last week, Pollak confirmed he met with Reina and the mayor’s inner circle at Reina’s home, but he dismissed claims of collusion.
Pollak refutes those claims, saying he is his own man, and that he met with the mayor to discuss the township’s future, not to cut deals, although he later said the mayor would not run for re-election.
“The mayor is done,” Pollak said.
Pollak’s Brooklyn background and vigilante past are not central to his campaign narrative. In fact, all of his political videos have ignored his superhero past. It’s a dark secret he appears to be trying to forget.
He claims his experiences in New York City—from confronting street crime to navigating urban politics—equip him to tackle Jackson’s challenges.
However, his critics argue that his vigilante persona raises questions about his suitability for office.
“This isn’t Gotham City,” said a local resident on social media. “We need practical leadership, not theatrics or someone who thinks they’re Batman.”
The relationship between Pollak and Reina, both Brooklyn natives, has drawn scrutiny.
Reina, who has led Jackson since 2006, has faced accusations of favoring allies like Cardinale in development projects.
Pollak’s meeting with Reina has fueled speculation that he may align with the mayor’s agenda, despite his public criticisms of the township government. P
Pollak appears to be trying to walk a fine line—criticizing the establishment while cozying up to the mayor.
It’s a risky strategy in a town already skeptical of insider politics.
As the campaign heats up, Pollak’s superhero past continues to divide devoters. Some credit his devotion to the character while others find it bizarre for a grown adult to put on a superhero costume and play police officer.
Pollak’s vigilantism in New York City was not viewed favorably by the New York City Police Department.
Retired NYPD Detective Edward Engle said, “It’s quick to point out the difference between an international organization like the Guardian Angels and a guy like Pollak. The Guardian Angels is a little different organization and more organized than a guy getting into a costume and going out trying to be a good samaritan.”
Supporters see him as a bold outsider unafraid to challenge the status quo, while detractors view his vigilante antics and vague platform as liabilities. With the election approaching, all eyes will be on whether Pollak can translate his Brooklyn bravado into a winning campaign in Jackson.