UNION CITY – Leonard Filipowski says he didn’t know much about this city until a blogger friend of his said it may be a good place to ask questions about local government.

Now, seven month later, Filipowski is embroiled in an ongoing battle with arguably one of the more influential politicians in the state – Brian Stack, who is both mayor and a state Senator.

Back in March, Filipowski received six summonses, alleging harassment of Stack himself, the police chief and others.

Just last week, Filipowski was “escorted,” or if you prefer, thrown out of a city commission meeting for not following the rules of public comment. He was handcuffed and arrested. Then he filed suit.

This sounds very much like one of those typical Hudson County political stories.

Then again …

Filipowski, 59, doesn’t live in the city. He lives in Connecticut.

What gives?

Filipowski, who also goes by the name Leroy Truth, describes himself as an independent journalist seeking to unearth corruption. His social media pages highlight investigations he has undertaken far and wide, including ones in Alabama, Fort Worth, Texas and Huntington, L.I. Most of these have to do with overstepping by police.

When he first visited Union City last December, Filipowski said he wanted to talk to employees and film the responses.

Filipowski says some employees objected to being filmed, but that a police officer assured one and all that filming in city hall was allowed. But then, Filipowski says, he heard that the officer in question was disciplined, presumably for allowing the filming to continue. Not only that, Filipowski says his brief experience with the city opened the floodgates and that he heard multiple allegations and tips about alleged corruption in the city.

That prompted Filipowski to take a deeper look at this congested Hudson County city atop the Palisades.

That deeper look has made Filipowski a regular presence at city commission meetings where he tries to question Stack about alleged corruption and sexual harassment of employees.

At one meeting a few months ago, Stack said his political opponents are paying Filipowski and that Leroy Truth is a “complete idiot.”

Filipowski says he’s not being paid.

At the most recent meeting on July 16, Filipowski said he had received more than 2,100 corruption complaints involving the city just since last December.

A video of the meeting shows Filipowski attempting to give Stack some type of “award,” but he never got that far.

A police officer said he was disrupting the meeting and that he was standing and striding in front of the speaker’s podium, not behind it as required.

At one point, the officer said Filipowski was disrespecting the commissioners, to which Leroy Truth replied:

“I don’t have to respect them.”

After this byplay ensued for a few minutes, the video shows Filipowski taken out of the meeting and put in a police car. He said he was quickly released and that the police were very nice and professional.

His suit is claiming “wrongful arrest” and requesting punitive damages. Defendants include Stack and the police department.

Stack didn’t respond to an email question about the suit, but the following is on a city social media page:

“Attention Union City residents and concerned citizens this is the truth about Brian Stack.
Public rabble-rouser and litigious gadfly Leonard Filipowski AKA Leroy Truth and Lexington Maximus, has been spreading false claims of corruption, misconduct, and assault against Mayor Brian Stack and other officials. Filipowski, who thrives on confrontation and abusive tactics, has been using his well-placed cameras to agitate individuals and provoke reactions for his own twisted entertainment. Let’s set the record straight – Brian Stack has been a dedicated crusader for the people of Union City and beyond.

From his early days as a tenant advocate to establishing the Brian P. Stack Civic Association, he has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of those he represents. As Mayor of Union City since 2000, Stack has focused on quality of life issues and has made himself readily available to citizens, even publicizing his cell phone number and establishing a “mobile office” at various locations.The allegations made by Filipowski are baseless and harmful, not only to the individuals targeted but also to the community as a whole.

The intimidation tactics and threats employed by Filipowski are not only irresponsible but also border on domestic terrorism. We must stand up against such reckless behavior and support our dedicated public officials like Brian Stack who are truly working for the betterment of our city.”

The legal aspects of this episode – the summonses and the suit – will eventually work their way through the courts.

But outside the courtroom, there may be more drama to come.

Filipowski says he plans to be in Union City on August 6 for National Night Out, which is designed to promote police and community relations.

He also says he may relocate to the city and run for mayor.

Just for the record, the next municipal election is 2026 and Stack is very popular with voters. He often runs unopposed.