In 2005 and last year, Travaglini shepherded an economic stimulus package through the Senate that included $55 million for transportation-related projects in the Fenway-Longwood-Kenmore Square area.
Kiley said there is no conflict of interest. "We went to the Ethics Commission, sat with the chief of the legal division, laid out fully what had been done in the past, and got approval for what we anticipated doing," he said.
State law prohibits former state employees, including elected officials, from acting as lobbyist for anyone before the governmental body with which they had been associated for a period of one year.
"Our role is specific: It is to engage in strategic discussions before federal officials, executive officials, and municipal officials," Kiley said, adding that there are no plans to engage the Red Sox in any talks for Struever Bros.
Pam Wilmot, executive director of the government watchdog group Common Cause Massachusetts, said the waiting period should be two years for all lobbying by former lawmakers.
"It creates the impression that a public employee may be pulling their punches in order to secure favorable employment with the industry that they oversee, she said.
Chris Chandor, senior development director with Struever Bros., said Travaglini will work with the company on the Kenmore Square project, in which it is negotiating with the Turnpike Authority for a long-term lease to build a complex with about 350 apartments, a parking garage, and retail space.
Travaglini was not immediately available to comment, Kiley said.
