Jackson Township political hopeful Chris Pollak — a martial arts instructor known more for his viral TikTok rants than his policy ideas — is facing backlash after declaring in a YouTube interview that if he could fight anyone in the world, it would be the Pope.
Pollak, who owns Hybrid Karate in Jackson, made the comments in a March interview posted online by his videographer. Asked the hypothetical question of who he’d like to square off against, Pollak didn’t name terrorists, violent criminals, or even his political rivals. Instead, he answered, “Probably the Pope.”
“This is a guy, the head of a church, who’s protecting people who hurt,” Pollak said, chuckling. “So, I’d fight the Pope, absolutely.”
The clip has drawn condemnation from faith leaders and local residents, many calling the remarks disgraceful and unfit for someone seeking public office.
The controversy comes as Pollak’s campaign is already mired in scandal. Chris Walther, who has described himself as one of Pollak’s campaign managers, is under investigation for allegedly operating an unlicensed firearms modification business out of his Jackson home.
Walther has openly advertised his “cerakoting” services on Facebook — a process that applies a protective ceramic coating to firearms. While gun owners may modify their own weapons, federal law requires a firearms license to perform modifications for others. Walther does not have one.
Despite Pollak’s frequent tirades against illegal home-based businesses, zoning violations, and lawlessness in Jackson, his own campaign is now linked to what may be a federal firearms violation.
Township officials first questioned Walther’s home operation earlier this year, before Pollak launched his council campaign. On social media, Walther admitted he has been “operating out of my garage.”
Note the irony: the candidate who has built a persona railing against illegal operations in Jackson now faces scrutiny for aligning himself with exactly that.
In addition, Bruce Wayne (Chris P.) likes to intimidate Jackson residents who dare speak out against his antics.
Intimidation seems to be his MO.
To my fellow Jackson residents:
Please speak out. Don’t be intimidated by this mentally ill person. Jackson is too important.
Not biased at all. Why not mention overbuilding, LLCs purchasing homes, decrease in school funds, corruption in council, or anything else important?
Not to mention increased car traffic, illegal rentals, trash and cars parked all over lawns (backyards).