November 19th, 2008

A government watch-dog group has asked the Senate Ethics Commission to undertake an investigation on whether Sen. Mellow’s paid position on the board of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a conflict of interest, reports the Times-Tribune.  

The group, RockTheCapital.org, believes that Mellow’s position on the board is a conflict because Sen. Mellow sits on the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, which is making recomendations on the proposed merger between Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc.

“His acceptance of a board seat with Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania is an obvious conflict of interest of the simple reason that the interests of the company are not necessarily those of the people,” Mr. Epstein wrote in a 17-page document released to the media.

In a statement, Mellow said the group’s concerns are baseless.

“My appointment to this board is old news,” he said. “It has been fully and publicly disclosed. I have and will continue to comply with Senate rules and law. To suggest otherwise is irresponsible.”

The group’s request comes as Senate Democrats meet later this week to elect a leadership slate for the next legislative session. Mr. Mellow is apparently unchallenged for another stint as Senate minority leader.

It also appears as a Nov. 28 deadline looms for legislative action to support, oppose or take no action on the proposed merger of two other Blues insurers in Pennsylvania, Independence Blue Cross of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh-based Highmark Inc.