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Residents urge censure and formal hearing after alderman’s social-media post; council points to ordinance-driven process
Summary
Public commenters at the Feb. 25 New Britain Common Council meeting urged formal action — including censure — over a social-media post by Alderman Robert Smemedley. Speakers on both sides asked the council to follow the ordinance-mandated hearing process set for no later than March 13, 2026.
Dozens of residents used the public comment period at the Feb. 25 New Britain Common Council meeting to press elected officials for a formal response to a social-media post by Alderman Robert Smemedley, with several calling for censure and others urging the council to accept his apology and follow due process.
Dr. John Tully, a city resident, told the council that Smemedley’s remarks are part of “a larger pattern of Republican disrespect for democratic norms” and said, “I believe a censure is in order.” Anne Spire, another resident, described the post as “egregious and crude” and urged a special bipartisan committee to consider a voluntary social-media code of conduct for council members.
Other speakers gave the council a range of views. Anna Van Ellswick said Smemedley had taken responsibility and asked the council to forgive and move forward; caller Tony Kane urged the council to accept the alderman’s apology and focus on other city priorities. Jamie Vaughn, an elected constable, said recent threats against his campaign had gone unaddressed and argued for consistent standards: “This body owes the residents fairness, consistency, and due process.”
Suzanne Bolinski, referencing action taken at the Feb. 18 special meeting, said the council’s earlier resolution directs a special hearing under the city code and restated the timeline: “that resolution … said the common council of the city of New Britain will hold a hearing at a special meeting pursuant to 2-27 of the code of ordinances … no later than March 13, 2026.” Members on the dais repeatedly referred to that process during their remarks.
Council members acknowledged hearing the comments and emphasized following the ordinance-driven process. Alderman Scott thanked speakers for attending and said the council would follow the process “to make sure that the best decision is made.” The council did not take further disciplinary action during the Feb. 25 meeting; the record and speakers at the meeting point to an administrative hearing to resolve whether discipline is warranted.
Next steps: the council’s earlier resolution requires a special hearing pursuant to section 2-27 of the city code no later than March 13, 2026. The meeting closed public participation and proceeded with the regular agenda.
