Outside Frank’s Famous Pizzeria, located on Monmouth Street in Jersey City, owner Frank Scalcione talks about his plans and campaign as he runs for… wait for it… Jersey City Council Member.
“I’m a people person,” Scalcione said as he stood outside his tiny dining establishment. “I know what the people want because it’s what I want.”
The 43-year-old Scalcione boasted about his pride and allegiance to Jersey City, a place he has called home his entire life. He lives on 3rd Street in the same apartment his grandparents purchased after immigrating to New Jersey from Italy.
Scalcione seemed less enthused about the infrastructure and the politicians running Jersey City. He said his love for the city and his frustration over what is and is not being done are driving him to run for Ward E Council member.
Scalcione’s non-incumbent opponent is Chicago native Shelly Skinner, who is also the founder and president of the group, Jersey City Families for Better Schools. Still, Scalcione remains skeptical, wondering, “Where are the fruits of her labor?”
And speaking of skepticism, some Jersey City constituents reported concerns for Scalcione’s alleged inability to pick up trash outside of his store, according to a JClist.com message board. “If everyone on my block were doing what I’m doing, we would have a clean block,” Scalcione defended himself, pointing to the absence of litter on his sidewalk.
One of Scalcione’s workers, 21-year-old Amr Elshafie, spoke highly about his boss of two years. “His family has been here for almost a century, and he’s an extremely gracious man,” then proceeded to talk about how he gave several pies to the local high school’s football team. “I think he is going to be great for downtown.
Scalcione said that if elected, his family will watch over his store of 21 years while he is in office. “They are encouraging me to bring integrity to City Hall.”