Jackson, NJ – Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli made a campaign stop in Jackson Township this week, sitting down with council candidate Al Couceiro to outline a joint plan they say will address the mounting problems facing local families.
Couceiro, a lifelong Jackson resident and longtime EMS chief and fire commissioner, praised Ciattarelli as “New Jersey’s next governor” and pledged to stand with him in what both framed as a fight to “save Jackson.”
The meeting touched on five key issues Ciattarelli has made central to his platform: restoring school funding after cuts that led Jackson to close two schools and merge its high schools; repealing the state’s affordable housing mandates that have fueled large-scale development; shifting new housing construction back toward cities with transit and services; lowering electricity costs; and ending New Jersey’s sanctuary state status on “day one.”
Couceiro echoed those themes in his own campaign pitch, drawing a contrast with opponents he characterized as “out-of-state newcomers chasing soundbites.”
He said Jackson needs leaders who understand local challenges firsthand.
Chris Pollak, who is running against Couceiro has not met with the candidate and also has not endorsed a candidate between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Ciattarelli, the Republican.
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Pollak’s campaign team has been critical of Ciattarelli, saying Jack is teaming up with those who want to hurt Jackson, referring to local Republican party officials.
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“This election is about putting Jackson first,” Couceiro said, urging Jackson voters to back his candidacy for council alongside Ciattarelli’s run for governor.