Rowland: It was everybody's fault but mine

Former Governor Asks for Leniency

I've been trying to stay away from the upcoming Rowland sentencing, but I just couldn't ignore this:

In a sentencing memo filed in U.S. District Court, Rowland asked Judge Peter C. Dorsey to sentence him to less than the 15 to 21 months in prison called for when agreed to plead guilty to a corruption charge in December.

The documents portray Rowland as a dedicated public servant who mistakenly delegated authority to people who corrupted his administration.

In particular, Rowland blames his former co-chief of staff, Peter Ellef and contractor William Tomasso. Both are under federal indictment.

"Ellef, allowed to operate without a monitor, took advantage of his position to tilt the process and assure that his friend, Tomasso, would obtain lucrative state projects," Rowland's attorney, William F. Dow III wrote.
...
"Ellef's management style was militaristic," Rowland's attorney wrote. "He had an intimidating, can-do, take no prisoners approach." (AP)

So I suppose he was bullied into that free hot tub by his own blackhearted chief of staff. Pathetic... There's no honor in blaming other people for one's own faults. I really don't know what else to say here, except that it will be good to have this over and done with.

Source: "Rowland Blames Adviser, Asks Judge For Leniency". Associated Press 17 March 2005.