Legislators question Waterbury chamber about Rowland hiring
In a letter to Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce President Stephen R. Sasala, they also asked whether Rowland, who served time in prison for a federal corruption conviction, will be involved with public funds and who will pay his salary.
"Although we certainly agree that the decision to hire Mr. Rowland lies with you and the city, we are concerned over his interaction with state officials in light of his recent criminal history," said Reps. Christopher Caruso of Bridgeport and Diana Urban of North Stonington, both Democratic leaders on the Government Administration and Elections Committee.
GAE oversees state contracting and state ethics issues.
The two legislators want to know more about how Rowland's salary -- $95,000 plus benefits -- will be funded. Both the city and the chamber are covering the cost. The letter asks if chamber members and nonmembers will be able to contribute and whether any of them have contracts or are seeking contracts with the state.
"As legislators, it is our obligation to diligently protect public funds," the representatives wrote. "We're sure that you would concur."
Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura, a former state representative who approached Rowland about the job, questioned why it would matter if any chamber members have or are seeking state contracts. Also, he said the former governor will not be involved with any public funds and will not be lobbying state government.
"His role is to meet with private sector developers and interests," said Jarjura, adding that Rowland has had many meetings and there are "a number of indications where some people want to bring in millions of dollars."
Jarjura said he was disturbed by the lawmakers' letter and considers it a threat.
"Why are these two senior legislators questioning whether individual chamber members have contracts with the state of Connecticut? Why are they even raising that if it wasn't to intimidate the private sector," he asked.
Jarjura said he also took the letter as a threat to the city, which is seeking bond funds from the state for various projects. He said he left a message for Democratic House Speaker James Amann, asking him to renounce the lawmakers' conduct.
Calls were left seeking comment with Stephen R. Sasala II, president and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce. In January, he said Rowland's hiring would give the City of Waterbury and the Greater Waterbury region "a major shot in the arm."
Rowland, a Republican and Waterbury native who now lives in neighboring Middlebury, resigned amid an impeachment probe in 2004 and spent 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to a corruption-related charge.
The lawmakers' letter comes shortly after officials from Waterbury asked the state legislature for $40 million in state bonding to redevelop an industrial site, create a business loan program and renovate the city's Silas Bronson Library. Rowland was not involved in that request.
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