Rowland discusses corruption with teens
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- In his first major speech since leaving prison, former Connecticut governor John G. Rowland lectured students yesterday on a topic he knows well: the corrupting nature of power.
Rowland's speech before several hundred teenagers at the World Scholar-Athlete Games fell on the second anniversary of his resignation from office. He served 10 months at a federal prison camp before his release in February.
``It seems like just yesterday I was at the White House staying in the Lincoln bedroom and everything was wonderful," he said. ``And then almost overnight I'm standing in line for toilet paper at a prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania."
Once one of the Republican Party's charismatic stars, Rowland became the youngest governor in Connecticut history when he took office in 1995.
He departed as an influence-peddling probe tightened around him, and amid impeachment hearings. He pleaded guilty to a corruption charge and was sentenced to one year in prison.
At times, Rowland's speech yesterday seemed like a muted campaign rally, though he said his political days are done. He opened by surveying the audience for Connecticut residents, drew cheers by plugging the state university's basketball team, then shook hands and signed autographs afterward.
But not everyone was enthralled.
``How could you sleep at night knowing that my tax dollars were going to things my tax dollars weren't supposed to go for?" Suzanne Najman, 37, of Danbury, Conn., asked Rowland.
He gave a meandering response and Najman asked the question again. ``I didn't sleep well at all," he finally said.
Students at the games were picked for their leadership skills, and Rowland warned that leaders naturally seek power. He said victory brings confidence and confidence can beget arrogance.
One student asked Rowland to spell out his leadership mistakes.
``The sense of entitlement is the beginning," he said. ``Before you know it, you're doing things you never thought you'd do in the past. Then you send that message to others."
