Council to Hold Special Meeting to Consider Censure Robert Smedley for Online Comments
The New Britain City Council has announced a special meeting on a changed date to consider censuring Ald Robert Smedley because of a series of online comments that charges made against him said appeared defamatory, dangerous, profane and “disgraceful”.
The Council had previously planned a hearing and meeting for March 12th on Council Resolution No. 37071, which provided for consideration of a range of disciplinary actions against Smedley “up to removal” from the Council.
But yesterday, March 10th, the Council announced a new date for the meeting, which is instead to be held tonight, March 11th at 6:30pm, just before the regular Council meeting, and the agenda says the meeting is specifically to consider a censure of Ald Smedley.
The change would appear to mean that the Council is no longer considering the removal of Ald Smedley, instead opting for “censure” – which is a formal rebuke, but would not have any effect on Smedley’s continued service on the Council.
The meeting announcement for tonight calls the Council to a special meeting, “To action upon a formal censure of Alderman Robert Smedley regarding behavior that is unbecoming of an alderperson of the City of New Britain.”
The original resolution bringing charges against Smedley, who is one of three Council members representing Ward 4, outlined four specific charges stemming from Smedley’s alleged actions on February 3, 2026:
- Smedley is accused of using social media to broadcast messages that “appear unsubstantiated, unverified, and potentially defamatory” accusations against a city staff member and her family. The resolution describes this as a “reckless misuse of office”
- The document alleges Smedley’s public remarks created a “legitimate fear of bodily harm” for the city employee and raised serious concerns regarding the safety of the employee’s family.
- Charges state that Smedley targeted members of the public and constituents with “profane language and aggressive conduct,” ignoring efforts by others to de-escalate the situation.
- The final charge characterizes Smedley’s behavior as “disgraceful” and “highly disrespectful,” asserting that he has brought discredit upon himself and the City of New Britain.
At the February 18th Council meeting, Smedley admitted his comments were made in a state of “anger, emotional distress and in grief” and issued a formal apology to the city and the family of the late Ald Jerrell Hargraves. The controversy reportedly stems from online posts made under the name “Colin Rober”—an alias allegedly used by Smedley—which appeared to blame a member of the Mayor’s staff and her family for the passing of Ald Hargraves.
Editor’s note: The cover photo by is Dr Frank Gerratana
