"And as I ask for your forgiveness, I also ask for your support to keep all things in perspective and keep all things in proportion. The good of nine years versus the bad"

John Rowland is requesting for forgiveness and assistance in order to keep things in point of view and proportion. He is referring to the 9 years he has actually remained in office and the great and bad that has come from it. He is requesting for forgiveness for any mistakes he has made and for support to guarantee that the great outweighs the bad. He is requesting understanding and for people to look at the larger photo and to not focus on the negative. He is asking for individuals to look at the 9 years as an entire and to acknowledge the favorable contributions he has made. He is requesting individuals to be forgiving and to recognize the good he has actually done.