Meet Scott Fegler, Republican Challenging Rep. Frank Pallone This Year
MATAWAN, NJ — Every two years, there is an election for who will represent New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District in U.S. Congress. "NJ Six," as it's called, has been represented by Congressman Frank Pallone, a Democrat, for the past 36 years, since Pallone was first elected to Congress in 1988.This year, Pallone is challenged by Scott Fegler, a Republican. Fegler grew up in Matawan, graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, the private Jesuit boys' high school in Lincroft and then St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He works in the food industry, and served on the USDA Pork Board and other food trade organizations.He currently lives in Highlands.Fegler is a strong backer of former President Donald Trump. He is running on a standard Republican platform of reducing government spending, lowering taxes, securing the U.S. border with Mexico and curbing illegal immigration.Fegler is a strong backer of Israel. He is against wind farms off the Jersey Shore.NJ 6 is solidly blue, and has voted for a Democrat for president for decades. Pallone's last Republican challenger was in 2022, when former Hazlet mayor Sue Kiley (Republican) ran against him and failed to gain enough votes (106,238 votes for Pallone, 75,839 for Kiley).The election is the same day as the U.S. presidential, Nov. 5. Matthew Amitrano of Piscataway (Libertarian), Herb Tarbous of Piscataway (Green Party) and Fahad Akhtar of Princeton (Common Sense Independent) will also challenge Pallone.Patch asked Fegler the following, and here are his answers:But wait, first: Do I live in New Jersey's Sixth District? Is Pallone my congressman?According to its Wikipedia page, "NJ 6" represents the towns of Carteret, Woodbridge, Edison, Highland Park, Metuchen, New Brunswick, part of Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Sayreville, South Amboy, South Plainfield, Matawan, Aberdeen, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Bradley Beach, Deal, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Long Branch and West Long Branch, the northern part of Middletown (south Middletown is NJ 4/Rep. Chris Smith), Monmouth Beach, Neptune City and Neptune Township, Oceanport, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright and Union Beach.Scott, what is your experience and background, and why does this make you a good candidate for U.S. Congress?As a business leader who runs a cheese plant, employing over 100 people, and has firsthand experience working with government agencies like the FDA and USDA, I have faced the same challenges many business owners do — balancing regulations, ensuring compliance, and navigating an inefficient system.As a food importer, I’ve seen how the U.S. food system differs from the rest of the world, where other countries often have higher standards and smarter policies.During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to make tough decisions, managing budgets through supply chain chaos, all while protecting my employees' livelihoods. These experiences taught me the value of fiscal responsibility, something sorely lacking in Washington today.Our leaders are engaged in reckless spending, pushing our national debt to unsustainable levels. Meanwhile, we’re entangled in unnecessary wars around the world, stretching our resources thin while ignoring the crises at home.The open border and immigration crisis are clear examples of failed leadership. I am not anti-immigration; I am pro-legal immigration. We need a system that respects our laws, strengthens our borders, and welcomes those who follow the process. A broken system only encourages chaos and exploitation, leaving both Americans and immigrants vulnerable.Unlike career politicians, I’m a political outsider with real-world experience. I’ve had to make difficult decisions and live with the consequences. I’m not here to enrich myself or protect special interests — I’m here to fix the system, prioritize legal immigration, restore fiscal discipline, and put Americans first.Have you ever held elected office before?No.How has Pallone failed residents in this part of New Jersey? Any specific policy issues or decisions you can point to?Frank Pallone has represented parts of New Jersey for decades, but his record raises significant concerns for many constituents. He’s been criticized for consistently supporting increased government spending, which has contributed to rising inflation and economic instability.His voting record on taxes and fiscal policies has also earned low marks (an "F" rating from the National Taxpayers Union) from taxpayer advocacy groups, highlighting concerns about reckless spending and national debt.Pallone's support for offshore wind turbine projects along New Jersey’s coast has sparked considerable backlash. Critics warn that these wind farms could increase electricity bills by as much as 40 percent, placing a heavy financial burden on New Jersey residents. Beyond the economic impact, environmental concerns are also front and center. The construction and operation of these offshore wind turbines threaten to destroy New Jersey’s iconic beaches, which are vital to the state’s tourism economy. Additionally, these projects pose serious risks to marine life, particularly to endangered species like whales and dolphins, which are vulnerable to habitat disruption and noise pollution from the turbines.Pallone's support for the Biden administration’s proposed changes to Title IX undermines decades of protections for women in sports. Title IX was specifically designed to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for female athletes. These new changes, however, expand gender identity protections in a way that erodes the integrity of women’s athletics. By allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports, the very foundation of Title IX — protecting competitive fairness for women — is being compromised.What are the biggest challenges facing this part of New Jersey and America right now, and in the next 2-5 years? How does Scott propose fixing them?Central New Jersey and America face pressing challenges, including an immigration crisis fueled by open borders, reckless government spending that contributes to inflation, and costly overseas conflicts. While maintaining strong support for allies like Ukraine and Israel, it’s crucial to ensure that foreign aid does not come at the expense of domestic stability.Additionally, the push for offshore wind energy poses risks, potentially spiking electricity bills and harming marine ecosystems, while detracting from our goal of energy independence. In the next 2-5 years, effective leadership must focus on securing our borders, promoting fiscal responsibility, and implementing pragmatic energy solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment. By balancing international commitments with domestic priorities, we can foster a safer and more prosperous future for all Americans.Do you think there should be term limits?Absolutely we should have term limits — 12 years (for Congress).Like presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Pallone has made support for abortion a central part of his re-election campaign this year. What are Scott's views on abortion?My view on abortion centers on the belief that it should be a states' rights issue, a perspective particularly relevant in New Jersey, where the right to abortion is explicitly written into the state constitution. The people of New Jersey decided they want abortion, so they have it. This stance allows for local governance to make decisions that reflect the values and needs of the community, ensuring that reproductive health choices are made closer to those directly affected, something that Democrats say they are for.What are your views on wind turbines off the Jersey Shore? Do you think there should be oil/natural gas drilling off the Jersey Shore?I oppose offshore wind turbines off the Jersey Shore, believing they threaten the region's natural beauty and coastal economy. Additionally, I am against drilling for oil and natural gas in the area, emphasizing that energy needs should be evaluated on a regional basis.Given that the U.S. is the largest producer of energy in the world, I will advocate for a more balanced approach to energy production that prioritizes environmental protection while leveraging domestic resources. By focusing on sustainable solutions that consider local impact, I can address energy needs without compromising the integrity of New Jersey’s coast.What did you enjoy most about growing up in Matawan and the Lincroft area, and attending CBA?Growing up in Matawan instilled a deep appreciation for community and the hardworking people who embody it. With family nearby and access to amazing food, my childhood was enriched by the connections we built and the traditions we shared. Additionally, the values I learned at Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in Lincroft — such as integrity, service and leadership — have shaped my character and guided my decisions. These experiences have cultivated a strong sense of responsibility to give back to the community that raised me, fueling my desire to serve as a voice for the people of New Jersey.Every two years, a Republican tries to unseat Pallone and fails. Scott, why do you think this is?N/A. (He declined to answer.)According to his website, here's Fegler on the issues:Immigration: Fegler is running on a platform of securing the border and ending the illegal immigration that has surged in the past four years."The U.S. border is critical for national security, with a focus on preventing illegal immigration, drug trafficking and infiltration by criminal or terrorist elements," said Fegler. "We must provide our law enforcement teams with necessary support, including resources, technology, and authority to enforce immigration laws."Energy: Pallone has backed Gov. Phil Murphy in pushing for wind turbines off the New Jersey coast. Fegler argues "oil, gas, propane and even coal will play a significant role in the immediate future as we transition into greener energy. Nuclear energy should be further utilized as clean, reliable and cost-effective," he said.Of wind turbines, Fegler warned that "these energy projects will cost taxpayers billions throughout their lifecycle, endangering marine wildlife while achieving very little in our rush to decarbonize haphazardly."Israel: Fegler is also making support for Israel one of his campaign highlights."Supporting Israel is crucial as it embodies democracy and stability in the Middle East," Fegler said previously.Fegler is a Trump supporter. By contrast, Pallone was one of Trump's biggest critics when Trump was in office. He voted twice to impeach Trump.Abortion: Pallone has said the lack of access to abortion is one of the most pressing issues facing America today. Pallone said abortion restrictions in the U.S. "have severely reduced OB-GYN training and worsened reproductive health care."The article Meet Scott Fegler, Republican Challenging Rep. Frank Pallone This Year appeared first on Matawan-Aberdeen, NJ Patch.
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