Kristen & Nik’s Pick: Frank Pallotta, Congressional Candidate for CD-5
So of course the big question is, why Frank? How did we pick him over any contender in the CD-5 race? And how could we even give an opinion at this phase of the race, with Nik & I based in South Jersey, and Frank hailing from so far North, covering towns primarily in Bergen and Sussex County?
I talked to Frank, frankly. He was blunt, candid and proudly conservative. He was available, open and willing to listen.
I believe Frank truly wants to show up for his constituents.
To me, this midterm is all about identifying conservative candidates with the courage to withstand the vitriol of the left. I have personally stood beside another “off-line” candidate and watched the left spew hatred, while he stood calmly, rooted in his commitment to presenting his message to the few open minds in the room. This is the ethical fortitude we need in CD-5, a place I understand to have deep divisions within the party between warring power factions.
Frank has already refused to be bullied or bought. Need proof? Read here about Frank’s experience with party royalty dangling the line over his held as a prize to purchase, not a slot to earn before an impartial screening committee and a full County Committee vote as presented to the general voting public.
This alone shows me the measure of the man. I don’t need go into any issue I may have with his opponent. I prefer to go high.
Meet the man capable of withstanding political back-room dealings.
Kristen: Who are you? Describe your professional background, family anecdotes, political involvement history and personal values.
Frank: I have had a successful, principled career in finance that provides me with the background to effectively address our current economic crisis. As a businessman, I know how to work alongside those with whom I disagree to help address skyrocketing inflation, supply chain issues, and public safety emergencies.
After leaving a career in banking, I co-founded a New Jersey-based small business to help struggling homeowners and veterans affected by the 2008 financial crisis. That company and the programs created, helped tens of thousands of homeowners avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. These programs were so innovative that we earned an award for one of the “50 Best Inventions of 2010” by Time Magazine .
I am proud to mentor the next generation of students and young Americans on entrepreneurism and business through the Leonidas Foundation and to help our veterans transition to the private sector through my work with American Corporate Partners.
I am originally from Queens, N.Y.; the proud son of a Korean War Veteran; and a dedicated spouse to a fabulous woman who is also a cancer survivor. My wife, Patty, has instilled in me the strength to fight each and every day.
We have two sons who we raised in Mahwah.
Kristen: Why are you running?
Frank: I’m running for two main reasons:
Our constitutional republic is in desperate need of a candidate who holds dear the virtues our founders fought and died for.
New Jersey has lost both its fiscal and moral way. My background is entirely consistent with getting our State back on track.
Kristen: What is your stance on parental choice for medical freedom in schools?
Frank: In light of the most recent flurry of COVID-19 mandates, it has become abundantly clear that parents should be the first and the sole determinant of both school choice and medical freedom.
Kristen: What is your favorite Constitutional amendment?
Frank: Our Constitution is unique. It both lays out a system for governing and establishes our fundamental rights as American citizens.
Each amendment serves a special purpose but the First, laying out our freedoms of speech, expression, religion, and affiliation, is central to our democratic republic.
Kristen: How will you distinguish yourself among the primary pack?
Frank: I am a businessman with more than 25 years’ experience in the private sector, who will apply private sector solutions to the challenges we face. I am retired from a banking career and my children are grown, so I am able to dedicate all my time both to a campaign and to serving my constituency.
My opponent won’t take a single public position. His campaign website doesn’t even have an “issues page.” He has avoided debates on several occasions. Additionally, he was backed by the Bergen County Republican Organization only after I refused their attempted extortion and pay-for-play corruption scheme. I refused to “buy the line (see: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/watchdog/2022/05/25/nj-primary-election-bergen-ballots-messages-frank-pallotta/9905272002/) and am steadfast in standing against the corrupt machine that my opponent is clearly a part of. I am proud to be running a grassroots campaign that has EARNED the support of the voters!
Kristen: What are your top platform issues and how do you propose to achieve those in a legislative solution?
Frank: The top issues I’d like to address are as follows:
1. Fix the supply chain crisis, jobs, and out-of-control government spending, which have been major contributors to record inflation.
2. End our dependence on foreign oil and end the dangerous practice of relying on China to manufacture our prescriptions.
3. Sponsor legislation that combats the recent crime wave and supports our women and men in law enforcement.
4. Sponsor legislation that affirms parental choice – guaranteeing parental rights when it comes to vaccines, mask mandates; and the curriculum they are taught in school.
5. Working to enact border policies that prioritize the safety of American citizens. We must end the current open border policy that has caused a significant influx of drugs into the United States, especially fentanyl. Any policy should provide a path to citizenship to those who share American values and want to contribute to our economy in a positive way.
Kristen: Who are your biggest supporters, professionally and personally?
Frank: My family - especially my wife, my sons, and my parents – chiefly my father, who is a proud Korean War Veteran. Additionally, countless friends; and everyday New Jerseyans who want to see a return to competency, transparency, and honesty in our government.
My supporters appreciate my background and experience in finance and are looking for real, tangible solutions to the economic issues we currently face, including the recent baby formula shortage.
I am also proud to have the support of countless small businesses adversely impacted by COVID lockdowns; local veterans and retired military leaders; Republican leaders in Bergen, Sussex and Passaic counties; the NRA; and New Jersey Right to Life.
Kristen: Give me your best pitch on why and how we can support your campaign?
Frank: In Congress, I will relentlessly advocate for the people of New Jersey, including finding solutions for issues that have seemed “too hard” to solve.
I will sit down with my colleagues to address the SALT cap; even if it means locking ourselves in a conference room until it’s done. We must utilize every possible option at the federal level to lower the cost of living and end the outflow of jobs, corporations, and residents that continue to devastate New Jersey’s economy.
I think our representatives need to be not only in Washington; but in Trenton and in District, working with state and local governments to let the voters know that true partnerships are possible if our legislative leaders are willing to work! “No” is not an acceptable answer in the business world. I will bring a much-needed business, private sector mentality to Washington.
Regarding how one can support my campaign, please dedicate a few hours every week. Help us knock on doors and get out the vote. Also, we should not cede early and absentee voters. Every ballot counts and we need to win across the board! Please visit my website to volunteer or donate.
The Child Advocate Coalition LLC confidently and fully endorsed Frank T. Pallotta to be our next U.S. Congressman for District 5. Learn more about him by visiting his Facebook page and Twitter @FrankPallottaNJ.
Freedom Speaking LLC and Shielding Liberty LLC have partnered with the Child Advocate Coalition LLC to highlight candidates for office all across NJ, from local Board of Education candidates through the Congressional candidates. Views expressed by the candidates may or may not represent the views of the entities referenced above, however the entities are proud to provide a platform for free speech. Featured candidates are invited to submit responses to our interview questions, link their candidate and fundraising sites, and showcase their chosen photographs.
That's my husband carrying the flag in the parade photo - Frank rejuvenated the Mahwah Republican Club with a super team of conservative people who simply want traditional USA values. He's also running for county committee because he cares about our local issues and school as well as our state in the national framework. Frank is definitely on the parents' team and will advocate for something as simple yet crucial as...parental choice. He gets it. We don't co-parent with our BOE's, government, the UN/WEF/WHO - the actual source of the sex ed curriculum (have a look at UNESCO's 2009 International Guidelines on Sexuality Education and you'll be amazed to see the similarities to what had filtered down to our local level 22 years later!). Frank is also a super-approachable, genuine person. He's already proven he cannot be bought and isn't playing jr. high popularity games - he's heading to DC to serve his constituents.
We won! On to defeat the most active stock trader Congressman (I've heard $60 million - that's sixty, not six).