Twenty years ago today: John Rowland resigns as impeachment proceeding and federal criminal investigation revealed corruption.

On June 21, 2004, Governor John G. Rowland announced in a brief speech broadcast to the state from the Governor’s Residence that he would resign his office on July 1st. Rowland’s decision came as the legislature’s impeachment inquiry was growing closer to removing the three-term Republican from office.

At the same time, a federal criminal probe was gathering momentum. It would conclude with Rowland entering a guilty plea for corrupt practices six months later, on December 23rd.

The anniversary of the Rowland scandals provides a moment to reflect on the essential role a free press plays in reporting acts of the powerful to the public. Hartford Courant reporters Jon Lender, Dave Altimai and Ed Mahony were indispensable in altering the public and law enforcement officials to the betrayal of the public trust that came to mark the Rowland administration. While a hot tub and cabinets in a lakeside cottage came to symbolize the scandal, it was about much more. High ranking officials in Rowland’s office also went to prison for corruption, as did state contractor William Tomasso.

The far reaching scandal included revelations of gold coins and an attempt to persuade the Mark Twain House foundation to publish a children’s book.

Some learned lessons from the public ordeal, others did not. One that endures: subscribe to a newspaper that is not afraid to find and follow a trail.

Published June 21, 2024.