the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Councilman Leo Battaglia announced he is stepping down from the Hackensack City Council following accusations that he made racially insensitive comments about a high school soccer coach. The alleged incident occurred during a soccer game in Paramus, where Battaglia reportedly made derogatory remarks about Hackensack High School soccer coach Shaun Holder, who is Black.
In an emailed statement on Friday evening, Battaglia shared that he had visited the homes of Mayor John Labrosse and Deputy Mayor Kathy Canestrino with two witnesses to clarify his side of the story. While he said the mayor and deputy mayor “now understand and believe” his account, Battaglia cited political pressure and a lack of support from city leaders as reasons for his resignation.
“Due to pressure from the African American community and political opponents, they have decided not to support me going forward,” Battaglia said. “I feel I have no choice but to step down.”
Hours before Battaglia’s announcement, Mayor Labrosse issued a statement along with Canestrino and Councilwoman Stephanie Von Rudenborg, stating that Battaglia should not seek reelection due to the ongoing controversy. Labrosse emphasized that any derogatory comments about a person’s skin color are “completely unacceptable” and confirmed Battaglia would not be a candidate on the reelection slate.
“Leo Battaglia has volunteered his time for over 40 years, running and coaching soccer programs in Hackensack, working with hundreds of children and adults,” Labrosse stated. “But it’s clear to us that he made a mistake and needs to take accountability.”
The incident has drawn widespread backlash from community leaders and organizations, including the Bergen County NAACP, which called for Battaglia’s resignation. Junius “Jeff” Carter, president of the Bergen County NAACP, expressed disappointment over Battaglia’s alleged remarks, saying, “When you’re elected, you’re elected for all the people, not just those who voted for you. Attacking a coach, a mentor, and role model for kids is unacceptable.”
The NAACP has organized a rally for Monday at Mount Olive Baptist Church to demand Battaglia’s immediate removal from office, with other community leaders, including Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, also expected to attend. Wimberly, president of the New Jersey Minority Coaches Association, condemned Battaglia’s actions, stating, “Leaders who engage in such hateful behavior must be held accountable.”
The controversy has also had political ramifications within the city council. Councilman Gerard Carroll, the only Black member of the council, was removed from Labrosse’s reelection ticket after he expressed intentions to speak out about the incident. According to Carroll, he felt it was necessary to address the situation publicly because it reflected poorly on the entire council.
At a recent council meeting, residents, including Holder and parents of the soccer players, attended to voice their concerns and demand an apology from Battaglia. Holder also recounted a separate incident at a soccer practice where Battaglia allegedly tried to have his team removed from the field despite having a legal permit to use it.
Although Battaglia has denied the accusations, calling them “a bunch of lies,” and has reserved further comment pending an investigation, the calls for accountability have intensified. Mayor Labrosse, reflecting on the incident, remarked, “My biggest concern is all of this happened in front of the kids. We’re better than this. This isn’t Hackensack.”
As the investigation continues, the community remains divided over the issue, but the consensus is clear: there is a need for healing, transparency, and accountability moving forward.
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
The only RACISM that is legally allowed is Anti-White RACISM.
When are people going to learn this ?
So stop being a white person, whatever the hell that is.
Leo is from Ecuador and therfore can not be a racist since he is a minority himself! I applaud him for all he has done for the community. We must fight the enemies from within!
Bingo!