August 9, 2005

ROMNEY NAMES MATTHEW N. KANE TO STATE ETHICS COMMISSION

Governor Mitt Romney has appointed Boston attorney Matthew N. Kane to the State Ethics Commission, the five-member body charged with enforcing the Commonwealth’s conflict of interest laws.

"Matthew Kane brings a sharp legal mind and a reputation for fairness to the important work of the State Ethics Commission," said Romney.

Established in 1978, the State Ethics Commission provides free legal advice, education and other information regarding state conflict of interest and financial disclosure laws. The Governor appoints three of the commission members and the Secretary of State and Attorney General each appoint one member. Members serve staggered five-year terms.

According to the law, no more than two members of the commission may be members of the same political party. Kane, an unenrolled voter, replaces Christopher Moore, who Romney tabbed earlier this year to lead the Judicial Nominating Commission. Moore is also an unenrolled voter.

Kane is an attorney with the law firm Donnelly, Conroy & Gelhaar LLP, where he specializes in commercial disputes, intellectual property and white collar criminal defense.

In addition to private practice, Kane has served on the State Ballot Law Commission since 1999. The State Ballot Law Commission conducts hearings and evaluates the validity of nomination papers and initiative petitions, ensuring compliance with election laws and access to the state ballot. Kane resigned as a member of the State Ballot Law Commission in order to join the State Ethics Commission.

"As a member of the Ballot Law Commission, I strived to fairly and impartially evaluate cases involving political candidates and political questions," said Kane. "I look forward to joining the Ethics Commission in its efforts to ensure and promote integrity in state government. I am honored by this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth."

A member of the American Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association, Kane is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Kane, 33, is a graduate of Harvard College and Boston University School of Law. He resides with his wife, Julie, and their daughter in Charlestown.

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