CAMPAIGN 2006 Monserrate running for Sabini's senate seat

Five years after becoming the first Latino elected to public office in Queens, City Councilman Hiram Monserrate has his sights set on a new challenge - representing Queens in the New York State Senate.
Earlier this month, Monserrate held a press conference in Jackson Heights to announce he was running for the Senate seat representing the 13th District - against incumbent Democratic Senator John Sabini.
&#8220Now more than ever as the Senate moves toward a Democratic majority, our residents need and deserve strong progressive leadership in Albany that can deliver results,” Monserrate said. &#8220Not only do I fight for Queens and the community, I also deliver.”
Monserrate's career in public service began in 1984 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, and since then he has devoted his time to public service in other areas. In 1988, Monserrate joined the New York Police Department where he helped protect Queens residents by keeping their streets safe for 12 years.
During his current Senate campaign, Monserrate said public safety would be an important issue.
&#8220I will continue to work for public safety, an area I have very strong credentials,” Monserrate said. &#8220Homeland security funding - there is so much more we can do on the state level to make sure there are enough resources available.”
In addition to public safety, Monserrate said education, specifically securing more money for schools, would be another one of his priorities if elected Senator.
Monserrate touted his accomplishments as a City Councilmember including ensuring passage of living wage legislation for hard-working residents, a successful rollback of Sunday parking meter regulations and fighting back attempts to cut funding for programs working to combat infant mortality and HIV/AIDS. However, he believes his role goes beyond that.
&#8220My role as a legislator is voting on laws and budgets and so forth, but it is also actively engaging my community,” Monserrate said.
Monserrate said that in the upcoming election, voters would have a choice between two candidates who have different values, messages and promises to the community.
&#8220Who is going to fight harder and provide a result, that's the decision,” he said. &#8220If we talk about providing results, I can demonstrate a five-year record that has provided results and produced legislation that has had an impact on all of us.”