Connecticut Local Politics

The Courant site is reporting that former Governor John Rowland will re-enter public service as an economic development coordinator for the city of Waterbury.  Mayor Michael Jarjura offered the former Governor the job.

Jarjura, a Democrat, confirmed in an interview with the Courant Tuesday night that he has made “an executive decision” to offer Rowland a job that would be created under a proposed agreement between the city and the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jajura said the proposal was “my idea,” that Rowland, a Republican now living in Middlebury, was the only candidate he interviewed, and that he hopes details can be settled so that Rowland can start work within “a couple of weeks.”

Payment of Rowland’s salary — as yet unspecified, but large enough for a person to live on, Jarjura said he hopes — would be shared by Waterbury taxpayers and the chamber in a proportion not yet determined, Jarjura said.

Sure, it’s easy to pile on John Rowland for what he did.  It was disgraceful.  But no one knows Waterbury better, and I’d wager he would be excellent at this job.

Lender, John; Mahony,  Edmund. “Waterbury Mayor Offers Rowland a City Job.” 22 January 2008.