State Homeland Security Director Retiring

By Matt Apuzzo

Associated Press

HARTFORD — State Homeland Security Director Vincent DeRosa, under fire for his close personal ties to Gov John G. Rowland, announced Tuesday that he will retire March 1.

Mr DeRosa, who had previously planned to retire in June, last week was told to either resign or divest his interest in an auto dealership. That business interest violates state police regulations against conflicts of interest.

A 20-year veteran of the state police, Mr DeRosa told Mr Rowland of his decision Tuesday morning and notified Public Safety Commissioner Arthur L. Spada after noon.

“It was a difficult decision,” Mr DeRosa said in an interview with The Associated Press. He said it was disappointing to leave under cloud of controversy, “but I’m at peace with myself.”

Maj John Buturla, the deputy director of homeland security, will take over as acting director. Mr DeRosa and Maj Buturla promised a smooth transition as the department prepares to receive $35 million in federal homeland security money.

Mr DeRosa, 48, is one of several friends, state employees, and contractors who provided gifts for the renovation of Mr Rowland’s cottage in Litchfield. Federal investigators are reviewing records of those gifts and improvements, and investigating allegations of contract steering within the Rowland administration.

“The governor understands and supports his decision,” said Dean Pagani, Mr Rowland’s chief of staff. “He’s been an excellent state trooper and has served the state well as homeland security director.”

Mr Rowland has not said what work Mr DeRosa did on the cottage. Mr Rowland’s associates have come under close scrutiny since he admitted December 10 that he had lied about who paid for gifts and work at the property.

“I think the governor and everybody who works for him understands that unfortunately this comes with the territory right now,” Mr Pagani said.

Under the state police retirement plan, Mr DeRosa will receive a pension worth 54 percent of his salary. By filing last year under the state’s early retirement plan, he will receive an additional six percent, said Sgt J. Paul Vance, a state police spokesman.

That puts his pension at about $72,000 a year.

Democratic lawmakers said it angered them that Mr DeRosa would be receiving a pension even if it is shown later that he violated the law. House Majority Leader James Amann said he expects legislation this year that would strip the pensions of those convicted of ethics violations or other crimes.

“I certainly think that if, in fact, he has violated any law, ethical or criminal, then I certainly do believe the message should be quite clear that someone that is under state service will be in jeopardy of losing their pension,” said Mr Amann, D-Milford.

A report in the New Haven Register recently showed that Mr DeRosa used one of his dealerships to buy the governor two motorcycles in 1999. Rowland said he paid for the bikes, but has refused to say how much he paid or provide any documentation.

Mr DeRosa said his decision to retire had nothing to do with that criticism. He has apologized that his business interests did not meet state regulations and said he should lead by example.

He said the hassle of changing the business paperwork, not politics, drove the decision to retire.

“It just doesn’t make sense to go through the process, then undo it in a few months,” Mr Dross said.

Mr Spada will recommend a permanent successor and Mr Rowland is expected to defer to his judgment, Mr Pagani said. But Rowland told reporters Tuesday evening he plans to appoint Maj Buturla.

“He’s very qualified and very capable,” Rowland said.

Mr Spada credited Mr DeRosa for forming several multiagency task forces following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Senate President Pro Tem Kevin Sullivan, D-West Hartford, on Tuesday called for a state audit of the Homeland Security Department, which he said may be boosting unneeded overtime. He said Mr DeRosa’s relationship with the governor and his outside business interest have compromised the state’s security.

“Anyone this exposed and compromised by misconduct is a security risk who should not be entrusted with the duties of homeland security,” Mr Sullivan said.

Citing the ongoing federal investigation, Mr Sullivan said it was impossible for Mr DeRosa to continue his post, which requires him to work with federal counterparts.

Mr Rowland said he was unaware of the allegations of unneeded overtime.

Mr Sullivan and House Speaker Moira Lyons said they would like to see any appointments to the office be subject to legislative approval.

Despite that investigation, Connecticut’s top FBI agent, Mike Wolf, told the AP last month that his office maintained a strong and productive relationship with Mr DeRosa’s homeland security officials.

Mr DeRosa said he welcomed the public audit, which he said will show the department is well managed. He dismissed the notion that he is a security threat.

“Politics is a full-contact sport. I’m not offended by anything,” Mr DeRosa said. “But I’m not playing politics.”