Council Approves Resolution to Consider Actions Against Ald Robert Smedley for Online Comments; Smedley Apologizes

The New Britain City Council has approved a resolution that starts a process that could lead to the removal from Council or some other again against Council member, Ald Robert Smedley (R-4), due to comments Smedley made online that the resolution said appeared defamatory, dangerous, profane and “disgraceful”.

Ald Smedley spoke at the meeting, saying that his comments were made in anger, emotional distress and in grief. He said that he regrets his comments. “I would like to formally apologize,” he said, saying that he apologized to the family of the late Ald Jerrell Hargraves, the residents of Ward 4 and the City.

A number of Council Republicans spoke against the resolution, calling for it to be set aside, and that Smedley be forgiven.

A number of Council Democrats called Smedley’s comments serious, incendiary and threatening – causing fear. Council members expressed anger at Smedley for the comments and about the need for the resolution.

Ald John McNamara (D-4), spoke favorably about Smedley, but said that due process is important for helping to bring about civility, and advocated for a code of conduct for Council members.

The resolution outlines 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.

In an online post, a person identified as “Colin Rober”, allegedly a name Ald Smedley uses online, appeared to allege that a member of the Mayor’s office staff, her husband and others were were at fault for the passing of Ald Hargraves.

A number of residents spoke in support of Smedley at the Council meeting, talking about his years of service, with a number saying his actions were done because of grief.

But a number of other residents spoke in support of the resolution, expressing concern about defamatory actions and abuse of power.

One of those residents was Marie Lausch, who was the target of the profanity laden comments. Those comments appeared to allege, “Jarrell is dead because of people like you.” In her comments to the Council Lausch, said that, at very least, an apology from Smedley was in order, before Smedley did, in fact, apologize.

Under Section 4-10 of the City Charter, the Common Council has the authority to remove an elective officer by a majority vote for reasons including “dishonesty, incompetence, incapacity, neglect of duty… or misfeasance or malfeasance in office”. The current resolution acts as the formal presentation of charges required by the City’s Code of Ordinances to begin the removal process.

The Council amended the resolution to expand the possible actions against Smedley to less than removal from the Council. Legislative bodies sometimes censure members, which is a formal rebuke, but has no other effect.

The resolution was approved by the Council on a voice vote, with two Council members noting their opposition for the record.

With the resolution approved, a formal hearing is to be held where Smedley will have the opportunity to be heard. The resolution calls for the hearing and a final determination by March 13, 2026.

Editor’s note: The cover photo by is Dr Frank Gerratana