Ruane, J. Michael

J. Michael Ruane (Dec. 20, 1928-June 25, 2006) served as a state representative for Salem for 30 years. "An old-school politician with a passion for his hometown of Salem, Ruane rose from a clerk in the city's motor division to become vice chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee" according to the Salem News.

He was elected as Salem city councilor for five years and three decades in the House of Representatives.

Ruane had his share of health problems, he suffered ulcers over the years. In later life, he was struck by throat cancer and had his larynx removed. He used a battery-operated device to his throat to speak in his later years. He also had personal loss as his two children died young and his mother died when Ruane was only 26. She was hit by a car while crossing the street.

After Ruane's death in 2006, a dispute arose over whether his widow should receive a state pension, even though he never paid into the pension fund. On July 26, 2006 the House approved the pension, creating a pension for Ruane's wife Helena. A lein was placed on her house to allow the House to recoup what her husband would have paid into the fund by selling the house.

See Also

"Ex-Salem rep dies at 77" Salem News, June 26, 2006, p. 1

"Ruane's widow will get pension; lawmaker's override Romney's veto of bill" Salem News, July 26, 2006, p. A1