Hovey Calls On Governor Rowland To Resign

State Representative DebraLee Hovey this week called on Governor John G. Rowland to resign, saying the people of Connecticut should not have to endure the “long, drawn-out agony, government paralysis, and embarrassment” of an investigation by an State House Impeachment Committee and a possible trial by the state Senate.

The committee’s probe is expected to focus on alleged irregularities relating to improvements made to Governor Rowland’s cottage in Litchfield. It then would determine whether impeachment is warranted.

Contractors who do business with the state allegedly did the work at little or no cost to the governor. Top Rowland administration officials also allegedly paid for some of the improvements. In addition, his administration is the target of a federal investigation relating to alleged bid rigging and bribery involving state contracts.

House Speaker Moira K. Lyons, D-146th District, has announced that the committee, which will be composed of an equal number of Republican and Democrat legislators, will be established during a special session of the state House of Representatives scheduled for January 26. It will have subpoena powers and will submit a report to the House of Representatives with a recommendation on whether to impeach the governor.

“Although the federal investigation is not over and an impeachment probe has not gotten underway, it is clear to me that Governor Rowland has exercised poor judgment and behaved badly. As an elected public official and a Republican, I am disappointed, saddened, and angered by his actions and misleading statements. I believe a person’s word is his bond. He has lied. That is indefensible,” said Rep Hovey, R-112th District.

“Governor Rowland has lost credibility with the people of Connecticut, who feel betrayed because of his lies and his arrogant behavior. They should not have to endure the long-drawn-out agony, government paralysis, and embarrassment off an impeachment investigation by a state House committee and a possible trial by the state Senate,” Rep Hovey said.

“Governor Rowland has been fined for ethics offenses in the past and, most recently, admitted to lying about allegations involving the work done at his cottage. He knows the difference between right and wrong and has counseled others in similar circumstances. It is now time for him to take his own advice. He can put a quick end to the controversy and do the right thing by resigning. If he steps down now, the people of Connecticut may still remember the good things he did,” Rep Hovey said.