The deadline for former Mayor Erin Stewart (R) to make her initial restitution payment to the City of New Britain came and went on Wednesday without payment, according to a statement released by current Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D).
The funds are intended to reimburse the city for legal expenses incurred as a result of Stewart’s actions while serving as mayor. Despite public commitments from the former mayor that she intended to make full restitution, the Sanchez administration reported that no payment was received by the July 1 deadline. Furthermore, the city said that neither Stewart nor her representatives reached out regarding the missed deadline.
In response, Mayor Sanchez said he has directed the city’s Corporation Counsel to immediately pursue every available legal avenue to recoup the money owed and protect local taxpayers.
“Our administration has been clear from the beginning: taxpayers should not be forced to bear the financial consequences of the actions of former public officials,” Sanchez stated. “We remain committed to making the City whole and will take all appropriate legal action necessary to recover these funds.”
Mayor Sanchez emphasized that public accountability requires more than just admitting fault, framing the restitution as a necessary step to protect municipal funds.
“Accountability does not end with acknowledging wrongdoing—it requires following through on the responsibility to make the taxpayers whole,” Sanchez continued. “This administration will continue to insist on accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public dollars.”
