State Senators Named To Monserrate Investigation Panel

The panel to investigate whether State Senator Hiram Monserrate should face disciplinary action, in the wake of his misdemeanor for assaulting his girlfriend, has been set. Senate majority conference leader John Sampson (D-Brooklyn) said, "Violence against women is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It has no place in the world. It has no place in the Senate. As a father with daughters I am not only angry, but I'm pissed off. But as a leader I cannot let my personal feelings supercede the individual rights of each member. While there may be many calls for our colleague to resign, that is his choice and his choice alone."

There are nine members, five women and four men: The Democrats named Eric Schneiderman (Manhattan; he will also chair), Diane Savino (Staten Island), Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Westchester), Ruth Hassell-Thompson (the Bronx) and Toby Ann Stavisky (Queens), while the Republicans named Andrew Lanza (Staten Island), John Flanagan (East Northport), James Alesi (Perinton) and Cathy Young (Olean). Republican minority leader Dean Skelos also suggested Betty Little (Queensbury), in case the Democrats might want to make it a 10-person committee (five from each party).

The NY Times thinks Monserrate should get out, but the Daily News, hoping for Senate leaders to strike a tone with a tough but fair investigation, thinks Sampson "poisoned" the well with his remarks. And Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., who said that the other calls for Monserrate to resign were racist, is upset that no Hispanic Senators were named to the panel.

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By Jen Chung in News on October 21, 2009 5:59 PM

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thefacts

John Sabini should chair the committee. He would be impartial, wouldn't he?

kade3000

I agree with you. But for hispanics in this state is much more vital. They are the main voices in NYS govt. The gay community in NY is not solely represented by Quinn. Espada and Diaz are using overthrow tactics, and ridiculous rhetoric that focus on the issue of race and civil rights in this state. What the hell does not having hispanic senators on a panel for Monserrate's actions have to do with hispanic representation? Quinn made an unpopular decision that was in the context of the rule of law. These parasites try and high jack the State of New York and turn it into El Revelucion de Nueva York. Eat your heart out Castro and Chavez.

Mr. Shankly

Correction: They succeeded in hijacking the State of NY.

felixthecat2

Chelsea reelected Quinn after she overturned term limits against the will of the people. It isn't only the Bronx but the lack of voters' knowledge and participation

kade3000

Why doesn't Diaz just shut up??!! This parasite for a senator along with his piece of trash partner in crime Espada need to realize we are not in Latin America. They are not hispanic civil rights leaders, they re civil right parasites. If this is all the hispanic communities in NY can produce as representatives, then their communities will stay underrepresented for a very long time. The Bronx needs to get it together, because they are a constant embarrassment.

Boogie Down

I live in the Bronx, and I agree with you. While I love many things about the borough, in general, the population here is a disgrace to humanity.