The Waterbury Times|Published Feb 24, 2026

Waterbury-Let me get this straight—Robert Smedley, a grieving New Britain alderman, posts under a fake name about the stress he’s under after losing a fellow councilman, and now he’s facing calls to be thrown out of office?

Sure, the posts were profanity-laden and poorly timed. But we’re really going to debate whether Facebook comments—made in grief and stress—are a fireable offense for an elected official?

Waterbury Police Sergeant Arrested, Placed on Administrative Leave

Residents came to the council meeting yelling, some defending him, some calling for punishment. And what does Smedley do? He reads an apology letter, doesn’t explain himself, doesn’t disavow the insinuations, and suddenly we’re talking about removing him from office.

Here’s the problem: social media has become a landmine, and politicians now face consequences not for policy failures, but for their online venting. Sticks and stones may break your bones—but a Facebook post? That’ll get you fired, or at least put your career in jeopardy.

Where’s the balance between accountability and humanity? Grief isn’t a press release. Stress isn’t a press conference. And maybe, just maybe, we need to stop treating every emotional outburst online like it’s a crime against democracy.

Local Connection-

Closer to home, Waterbury has its own story brewing, one that mirrors the controversy unfolding in New Britain. Details remain murky, but insiders say Social Media comments sparked what led to the eventual suspension of WPD Sergeant. The investigation is ongoing, and few are willing to speak on the record—but the whispers are enough to remind residents that in today’s hyperconnected world, a post online can have consequences far beyond the screen.

Now, back to New Britain. We’ve got to ask ourselves: are they punishing Smedley, or are they punishing the human side of politics that nobody wants to admit exists?

But here’s the thing—we all have to tread lightly. This isn’t just about Smedley. It’s bigger than one alderman or one city council vote. The way New Britain will handle this adds to the precedent that Waterbury has already began with arrest of their own. The rules we create today around social media posts, grief, and stress become the blueprint for tomorrow.

Oh by the Way

Think about it: every public figure, every journalist, every community voice—we’re all watching what happens in New Britain. One overreaction here, one “zero tolerance” move there, and suddenly the message is loud and clear: speak carefully, or risk losing everything. That’s not accountability. That’s fear.

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If we let this slide into overreach, we’re not just punishing “posts”—we’re creating the framework to silence us all on the day we need to speak the loudest.

Share your thoughts? Should Facebook posts affect your job?

Opinion & Editorials | Waterbury Times – Local Perspectives and Analysis