This election year is one that is often referred to as a year that will bring dramatic changes to the world of politics.

Recently across the country many political figures have increasing been caught up in some less the moral conduct. There are an increasing number of politicians that have even served jail time.

Connecticut has had its share of the politically corrupt.

In recent news former governor John Rowland has been the topic of discussion since he has recently finished serving his jail sentence. Elected into office in 1995 he served as a prominent member of the Republican Party which stayed in the majority until 2004, he was even elected for three terms which had not been done since 1784. It was then in 2004 he was under investigation for corruption and as a result resigned as governor. He soon pleaded guilty in a federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud and tax fraud. He served a ten month sentence in a federal prison and four months house arrest.  Rowland was the only governor in Connecticut history to have ever faced impeachment and has served a prison sentence.

In January 2008, Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura announced that he would hire Rowland as an economic development advisor for the city. Previously that job had not existed, but Jarjura is a close friend and supporter of Rowland, so he specifically designed this job for the former governor. The job will be a part of the chamber of commerce but Rowland does not have to directly report to the chamber itself, and it will pay $100,000 per year a percentage paid by tax payers and some private funds.

Rowland, at a recent press conference, stated that he is excited about the new postion and has had great success with economic development in the past with other towns and cities while he was governor. The major issue with this move on the city of Waterbury’s part is that fact that the city has had a long history of corrupt officials.

It was only a short time ago when former Mayor Phillip Giordano was arrested on charges of violating the civil right of two girls that he sexually abused and is currently serving a 37 year sentence. This still being fresh in the minds of the citizens of Waterbury raises the question as to why these people consistently come into power, and how the people of Waterbury feel about the constant political corruption.

“ It’s sad and disgusting the way the politicians run things in Waterbury, but at the same time anyone who wants to help this city we are going to welcome”, Elyse Rodrigues states. She has lived in Waterbury for the past thirteen years after moving here from Michigan.  “it’s seems to be a common trend in this country ( corrupt politicians) and hopefully at some point it will stop, as for Rowland, I’m not even too sure what to say about that, I think it speaks for itself” she shrugs with slight disgust and disinterest.

All too often it this has become a common situation for much of the country’s population;  with political corruption spreading far and wide through many towns and cities. Overall the consensus of the population would like to see a change in the accountability of many of these politicians, and many hope this is the year it will all change.