Leo Battaglia, a city council member in Hackensack, NewJersey has agreed to resign following allegations that he used a racial slur against Shaun Holder, an African-American soccer coach. The decision comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny after the accusations surfaced, prompting significant backlash from community members and officials.
The incident reportedly occurred while Coach Holder was conducting soccer practice. Witnesses claim Battaglia made derogatory comments about Holder in Spanish, suggesting that Holder’s skin color contributed to his perceived inadequacies as a coach. Another parent who overheard the remarks alerted Holder, prompting a swift response from the community.
“I was shocked and deeply hurt by what I heard,” Holder said. “To keep it PG, the councilman said that the color of my skin contributed to me not being good enough to coach soccer.” Holder’s comments underscore the pain and frustration felt by many in the community, who are calling for accountability from their elected officials.
Battaglia has denied the allegations, insisting he would never intentionally make negative remarks about anyone. “I would never intentionally make any kind of negative statements about any person,” he stated during a recent city council meeting, where he faced calls for his resignation.
Despite Battaglia’s denial, Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse Jr. confirmed that the council member had agreed to step down after being removed from the mayor’s political ticket. Labrosse has faced pressure from constituents and community leaders who believe that the councilman’s comments are indicative of a broader issue of racism within the local government.
“The allegations are deeply concerning and warrant immediate attention,” Mayor Labrosse said. “We cannot tolerate racism or any form of discrimination in our community.”
Battaglia’s resignation comes amidst separate controversies involving Mayor Labrosse and his allies, who are facing accusations of racism themselves. The mayor recently faced criticism for dropping Gerard Carroll, the only African-American member of the Hackensack City Council, from his political ticket. Critics argue that this decision reflects a pattern of exclusion and discrimination within the local political landscape.
In a statement regarding Carroll’s removal, Labrosse defended his decision, saying, “We made the decision to replace Councilman Carroll on our ticket prior to this entire incident because he has been meeting with our political opponents for months.” However, the timing of Carroll’s exclusion has raised concerns among community members, who are calling for more transparency and inclusivity in local politics.
Community leaders have expressed outrage at the allegations against Battaglia and the subsequent handling of the situation by the mayor’s office. “This is not just about one council member; it’s about the culture of our local government,” said community activist Maria Gonzalez. “We need to see real change and accountability for the actions of our elected officials.”
As Hackensack navigates this controversy, many residents are calling for a more inclusive political environment that fosters respect and understanding among all community members. The allegations against Battaglia have ignited a broader conversation about race relations in the city and the need for systemic change within its governance.
In the wake of the incident, community members are mobilizing to demand that local leaders take a firm stance against racism and discrimination. Calls for diversity training and public discussions on race have emerged as crucial steps toward healing and fostering unity within Hackensack.
The resignation of Leo Battaglia marks a significant moment for Hackensack, highlighting the importance of accountability in leadership. As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, many are hopeful that it will serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging more open dialogue and a commitment to inclusivity in the city’s future.
Hackensack’s journey towards healing and reconciliation will undoubtedly continue, but the recent events serve as a stark reminder of the work that still lies ahead in creating a more equitable and just community for all residents.
