Smith ‘easing back in’ to mayoral duties after 8 weeks out of office Robert Smith Columbus Mayor Robert Smith is back to working at City Hall a few days a week after taking several weeks off recovering from a brief stint at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle Feb. 21 for an undisclosed illness. “(I’m) easing back in,” Smith told The Dispatch Wednesday. “The doctor said for the next three weeks, I should try Monday, Wednesday, Friday, at least three hours a day. That’s what I’ve done.” The mayor on Wednesday did not comment on the nature of his illness. Smith, also campaigning for re-election against two opponents he will face on the June 8 general ballot, said he worked a handful of hours on Monday, including overseeing a meeting with city department heads. He also presided over Tuesday night’s city council meeting. He said he is working additional hours from home.