Peekskill council adopts censure of Councilman Robert Scott after plea; Scott votes no

The Peekskill Common Council adopted Resolution J17 on Oct. 14, expressing formal censure of Councilman Robert Scott following related criminal court proceedings. The resolution, introduced and debated in open session, summarized the court record and the outcome of a conditional plea accepted Oct. 7 in White Plains City Court.

The resolution cites news reports and court statements alleging that Councilman Scott was previously arrested in April 2023 and later faced a superseding complaint. It notes that, as part of a conditional plea accepted on Oct. 7, Scott entered pleas to disorderly conduct and was required to complete community service and remain law‑abiding for a specified period; the court retains the discretion to permit withdrawal of a guilty plea on completion of conditions. The resolution characterizes the conduct as unlawful and "unbecoming of an elected representative," and calls on Scott to accept accountability.

Council debate was robust. One councilor said, "Our residents deserve leaders who take responsibility for their actions...Accountability isn't optional," and asked that members consider whether continued service was appropriate. Councilman Scott defended his record and said he had borne legal costs and that the outcome had been a difficult family decision: "I never plead guilty to any forgeries...this is something that me and my family after fighting it for 3 years..." he said, adding that he regretted the episode but disputed some characterizations.

After discussion the council proceeded to a roll‑call vote; the censure resolution passed and Councilman Scott recorded a dissenting vote. The mayor and councilors said the vote was their institutional response; the mayor noted that removal from office would require separate steps through the governor's office if pursued.