Rowland hiring demands answers

3/23/08
Give credit to state Rep. Christopher Caruso on this one. Someone needs to raise questions about the return of our corrupt former governor, and Caruso took it upon himself to do it. Whether it will make any difference is yet to be seen.
Former Gov. John G. Rowland, he of the hot tubs and cabin renovations, resigned in disgrace several years ago and eventually went to prison for corrupting his office. But his hometown of Waterbury never lost its taste for the man, and he’s recently resurfaced as that city’s director of economic development.
The rest of the state couldn’t decide between laughter and horror as the proper reaction. Waterbury, though, was the main beneficiary of Rowland’s years in Hartford and had to figure its reputation couldn’t get any worse. He was welcomed back as though nothing had happened.
Caruso, who among other things fancies himself an enemy of corruption, seems to sport a longstanding grudge against Rowland. But he’s right to raise questions. The governor’s disgrace brought shame to the entire state, and simply accepting him back on the political stage with no qualms would be an insult to voters.
Caruso and Rep. Diana Urban, D-North Stonington, say they are concerned about Rowland’s position at a time when Waterbury has asked for $40 million in state bonding to renovate its library, create a business-loan program and redevelop an industrial park. Though Waterbury officials have promised Rowland will do no lobbying nor will he manage any grant money, lawmakers are right to get that guarantee in writing.
Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura reacted as though Caruso were threatening his city’s very existence, but he must have known this hiring would draw fire. Maybe Caruso’s questions do go too far; that’s not the point. Someone has to ensure that Rowland’s place is the proper one for a disgraced state leader who is distinctly lacking in remorse and public repentance. If it falls to Caruso, so be it.
His city’s response makes Jarjura appear that he doesn’t understand the impact of Rowland’s crimes for the rest of the state. This was the thrice-elected governor who turned his back on his duty to the state and broke his promises to the voters. If his political rehabilitation runs into a few potholes, it’s the least they should expect.
If the former governor and his friend in the mayor’s office didn’t want to attract fire, Rowland could always have gone a less-visible route. Jarjura should save his outrage for someone deserving.