TORRINGTON — Former Republican Gov. John G. Rowland is slated to come to Torrington in two weeks to pay a visit with the city’s Rotary Club.
Kevin Purcell, past president and spokesman for the Rotary, confirmed that Rowland will be the club’s guest on Nov. 24, during the club’s regular lunch. Rowland is expected to speak around 12:45 p.m., and the public is regularly welcome at that time.
Rowland served as the state’s governor for ten years, until his resignation in 2004 amidst a corruption probe. He eventually was convicted on corruption charges, leading him to serve time in federal prison.
In 2008 Rowland was hired by the city of Waterbury for an economic development position.
But his controversial past is not expected to be the subject of discussion when he speaks in front of the group at the Elk’s Lodge in two weeks.
"He’s coming to give a talk about his life after the train wreck," Purcell said.
Cynthia Oneglia, a Rotary member from Washington was the person who got Rowland to come to the city, Purcell said. She could not be reached for comment.
Purcell said he thinks the former governor’s visit should be "interesting."
"He always came to Torrington with a very positive outlook," Purcell said. "I would be bold enough to say he really embraced the Warner Theatre... and was a major player in getting funds for the Warner."
Rowland previously came to speak to the Rotary members in 1995, which Purcell joked was the "start" of his campaign for governor. He was hardly known at that point as a candidate when he met with the club, Purcell said.