Margaret Kane has been named president of Operation Clean Government. Kane currently works as a Realtor in Bristol. She has been with the American Lung Association of Rhode Island for 34 years, having served the last 16 years as executive director. While with the American Lung Association of Rhode Island, Kane led the legislative effort to ban smoking in public places, worksites, restaurants and bars.
PBN: You served for 34 years with a nonprofit in the medical community. What challenges or differences do you anticipate in leading an organization that is focused on government and ethics?
KANE: In fact, the challenges are very similar. The goals, in both cases, are noble and not easily achieved. Because of limited resources they require dedicated volunteers and coalition-building to bring like-minded individuals and groups together to educate and inform citizens and decision-makers to be successful. And, with both efforts the only power we have is the power of a good idea.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
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PBN: Can you tell us a bit about Operation Clean Government’s legislative agenda for 2011?
KANE: We are looking for an amendment to restore the R.I. Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction over General Assembly members for ethics violations. We are also working on legislation to create an independent office of inspector general to root out fraud, waste and abuse. Inspector general offices in other states recover more money than the cost of running the office. We will continue our efforts to eliminate the “master lever” from the ballot, so that voters must vote for each candidate, one at a time.
Considering the outcome of the most recent election, we will explore some form of run-off voting for general officers so that those elected receive a majority vote. In response to one of our most recent efforts during the last legislative session we believe that all General Assembly votes will soon be available in electronic form online.
PBN: How might OCG’s 2011 legislative agenda impact business in Rhode Island?
KANE: Generally speaking, we believe that good government IS good business. Our issues would give more transparency in government and reduce corruption, Both, I believe, contribute to Rhode Island’s status as one of the most ‘business unfriendly’ states in America. •
