Firm Stand Against the Opioid Crisis; Launches OpioidJack.com to Expose Jack Ciattarelli’s Role
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By The India Observer News Desk, Edited by Adam Rizvi, TIO: Clifton, NJ – In a powerful show of leadership and accountability, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill joined community advocates and families impacted by the opioid epidemic to expose her opponent Jack Ciattarelli’s alleged financial and professional ties to one of the most devastating public health crises in modern history.
During a press conference held in Clifton, Sherrill called out Ciattarelli for what she described as his “deadly contributions to the opioid crisis,” unveiling a new informational website, OpioidJack.com, which details how Ciattarelli’s company profited from opioid manufacturers while New Jersey families suffered.
“Every one of us knows someone — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — who has been impacted by the opioid crisis,” said Mikie Sherrill. “While I was at the U.S. Attorney’s Office trying to stop pill mills and get drugs out of our communities, Jack was pocketing millions from opioid manufacturers, putting their deadly propaganda in front of doctors. After running for governor three times as a ‘small business owner,’ it’s time he’s held accountable for the harm his company caused.”
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Sherrill’s remarks were echoed by State Senator Joseph Vitale, a leading voice on addiction prevention, who condemned Ciattarelli’s role in what he called a “disgusting and disqualifying” betrayal of public trust.
“To learn that Jack was paid millions by Big Pharma to spread misinformation and coach people on securing opioids is shameful,” Vitale said. “He wasn’t an innocent bystander — he was working against the best interests of New Jersey.”
Community leaders and advocates also shared their stories of loss and outrage, underscoring the deep scars left by the opioid epidemic. Addiction counselor Darryl Speights said, “Big Pharma pushed pills on everyone — parents, workers, even kids. Jack’s company helped them while New Jerseyans died. No one should vote for someone who profited from that pain.”
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Congressman Frank Pallone added, “Jack’s company made millions while our communities suffered. Now, with Trump cutting addiction services and Jack supporting him, this crisis is only getting worse.”
For families like Mike Beson’s, the devastation is deeply personal: “My brother died addicted to oxycodone. To find out Jack built an app to help people get more prescriptions — that’s beyond immoral.”
Recovering addict and advocate Tyrone Smith concluded, “After my own struggle, I’ve dedicated my life to helping others recover. Jack helped Big Pharma profit from death. We need a governor who invests in recovery, not one who helped fuel the crisis.”
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Visit OpioidJack.com to learn more about the campaign’s findings.
Editorial Reflection — Adam Rizvi, Editor-in-Chief, The India Observer
As someone who has reported on community issues and public policy for years, I find the opioid epidemic one of the most heartbreaking challenges facing New Jersey. Mikie Sherrill’s clear, uncompromising stand on this issue reflects leadership grounded in empathy and integrity.
What stands out most is her insistence on accountability — not just politically, but morally. In a time when many shy away from hard truths, she chose to speak directly for families who lost loved ones. That courage is what communities need.
Also Read, Tweet & Share: Why New Jersey’s South Asian Community is Rallying Behind Mikie Sherrill
I believe her victory can be a turning point in building stronger, healthier, and more compassionate state policies — especially for vulnerable families across New Jersey’s diverse communities.
Curated by Humra Kidwai
