HEEERE'S JOHNNY!

Ever since he was released from federal prison in February 2006, ex-Republican governor John Rowland has been running below the radar. His only noted public appearances have been at politicians' funerals and the occasional testimonial dinner. Now it's time to say—heeere's Johnny, again. The former governor, convicted of corruption, is getting the proverbial "second chance" in society.

Last Friday, the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce voted to approve a new post for Rowland as Waterbury's economic development coordinator. The ex-governor is not filling a vacancy. This job was created for him in an agreement between the Chamber and Mayor Michael Jarjura, a Democrat. Rowland's salary will be paid in part by the Chamber and in part by Waterbury. It's expected his salary will be between $90,000 and $120,000.

Reaction to Rowland's return to action has been mixed. Some newspaper editorials, including one in the Hartford Courant, the paper most aggressive in investigating Rowland's misdeeds in state government, say he deserves a chance to set his life right after incarceration.

Critics, including State Senate Democratic leader Donald Williams (D-Brooklyn), rapped the appointment. Williams said Rowland's job, dealing with developers, entrepreneurs, and government officials, did not seem like "the perfect fit" for an ex-politician whose downfall occurred because of illegal activities involving those same types of people.

Rowland is hoping to prove the critics wrong. The ex-governor who often described himself as "a Waterbury rat" in the past, is proud of his longtime personal and family ties to the city and believes Waterbury's officials and citizens support his new job.

"That constituency really wants me there, and I want to be there," Rowland said in an interview with WVIT-TV reporter Tom Monahan. "It gives me purpose in life."

In that TV interview, Rowland sounded remarkably similar to his old persona as governor. He portrayed himself as an activist for urban development, who believes in Waterbury, and wants to "changes images and perceptions" some may have of the city. It's likely Rowland will try to mend his own image in the process.

Die-hard Rowland critics probably won't buy into that. To them, it will appear that Rowland is still up to his old tricks, relying on connections and old ties to benefit himself. A job with a salary in the $100,000 range isn't the kind of "re-entry" position offered to many ex-cons.

Until now, Rowland was pitching his talents for "motivational and inspirational" speaking engagements according to his website www.jgrowland.com. On that site, Rowland never reveals that his political career ended in a guilty plea, conviction, and prison time. Instead, the site notes that Rowland had an "exceptional public service career" and that Rowland "learned exceptional lessons from the failure" at the end of that career.

It will be interesting to see how well Rowland does as a "rainmaker" for Waterbury, working to bring new development and jobs to the city. Will developers feel comfortable dealing with him? Is Rowland now immune to the temptations tied to big money deals? Can a guy who was used to being the top dog take direction from city and Chamber of Commerce officials?

And what happens if a Waterbury development project needs a helping hand from the state—bonding, grants, property transfers, or road improvements? Rowland claims his new post has "nothing to do with the state" but these days few local projects go to fruition without some state involvement.

Like it or not, John Rowland is back in the spotlight—albeit a municipal spotlight for now. Friends and critics alike, searching for words to explain the situation, would be wise to use an old Rowland quote: "It is what it is."
 

Posted 1/28/08

Comments or questions?  Contact us at  CTReport@crnradio.com

© Connecticut Radio Network