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Supporting Commissioner John Armstrong
By Raymond Rivera, Harwinton
Correction Commissioner John J. Armstrong has served the state of Connecticut well and, whether he is reappointed or not, he can hold his head high. For the most part, he has been successful in an almost impossible job.
How quickly we forget that when he was appointed commissioner in 1995, the Department of Correction was reeling from almost daily gang violence. Assaults on staff and inmates and intimidation by gangsters in our prisons were the norm. In addressing this, Armstrong had more of an impact than any of his predecessors. No one has done or will ever do any better. That will be his legacy.
Armstrong now finds himself in the same position that his predecessor, Larry R. Meachum, found himself in in 1994.
I know the commissioner and, although I may not agree with some of his policies, I know he is a man who will carry on with professional dignity until his last day at 24 Wolcott Hill Rd. He will not lower himself to the shallow waters in which the politicians who are now vilifying him swim. He will keep faith in public safety, victims' rights and staff safety.
Armstrong is a compassionate, articulate visionary who has done an admirable job under tough conditions.
Mr. Rivera retired from the state Department of Correction as a major with more than 20 years of service.
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