Three days after an uproar of controversy surrounding a Facebook comment that some called misogynistic, former New Britain Mayor Tim Stewart resigned from his position of president of the Chamber of Commerce. Now, uncertainty is surrounding the city’s “business voice.”

The comment, which has since been deleted, referred to the Democratic Congresswomen wearing white during the State of the Union in commemoration of the Women’s Suffrage Movement as “Bitches in heat.”

“[What’s next for the Chamber of Commerce] is up in the air. I’m not even sure if they’re looking for someone to fill [the position] right now,” Correspondent Secretary for the New Britain Democratic Party and Central Connecticut student Victor Constanza said. “I’m guessing the chairman, Gennaro Bizzarro, will take the lead.”

Stewart issued an apology for the last Wednesday after he was placed on administrative leave.

“My comment was wrong and in poor taste in response to a particular time during the speech that I took offense to,” Stewart said in his post. “This in no way excuses my behavior and I am deeply sorry to not only the women in my life but to all women for the remark.”

Current New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart and Stewart’s daughter took to Twitter, saying: “To all of those asking; I’m embarrassed and mortified.”

The former mayor’s comment regarding the Congresswomen prompted a quick reaction from CCSU President Dr. Zulma Toro, who said she was “disturbed” by the post.

“As this University’s first woman and first Hispanic president, I am disgusted with the behavior and attitude [Stewart] shared,” Dr. Toro said in an email sent out to students, faculty and staff. “It is further evidence that we have much work to do to improve the culture and discourse as it relates to misogyny.”

Much like Dr. Toro, Student Government Association President Kassandra Fruin said she was also “disturbed” by Stewart’s comment.

“Regardless of my party affiliation and political ideology, I believe I speak for all women of New Britain that his words were hurtful, insensitive and unrepresentative to our values as a community,” Fruin said. “As a female student, holding a high position of power on campus, I am deeply upset and disappointed by Mr. Stewart’s remarks.”

Constanza, who is also an active member in the city’s Democratic Party, said that he was “not surprised” by Stewart’s comments.

“Comments like that coming from a public leader should not be acceptable,” Constanza said.”He is a community leader and all community leaders should be held to a [high] standard.”

Stewart’s comment was originally met with over a dozen Democrats calling on his resignation. In a press conference last Wednesday, Alderwoman Eva Magnuszewski said Stewart’s comments were insensitive.

“We need somebody to represent the chamber that isn’t going to offend women,” Magnuszewski said. “Those remarks were mean, they were cruel and they were unnecessary, especially in today’s climate with the ‘Me Too’ movement.”

Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, majority leader of the Council, called Stewart’s remark “the breaking point.”

This is not the first time Stewart, who served from 2003 to 2011, has been under scrutiny for a Facebook comment.

In 2017, Stewart referred to residents of the city’s North Oak neighborhood as “inmates running the asylum.”

Magnuszewski added that Stewart’s original comments were “racist” and “offended an entire community.”

Though the future of the Chamber of Commerce may be uncertain, Fruin said she hopes this time will be taken for the Chamber to “reevaluate what they believe are the true values of New Britain and its residents.”

“The Chamber should lead with their best foot forward, and my hope is they all we be reflective and not reactive,” Fruin said. “I look forward to a day when all citizens in New Britain are confident that their standards of civil discussion and nonpartisan objectives are celebrated.”

Stewart could not be reached for comment.