Not only did the state Senate agree to seat former Queens City Councilman Hiram Monserrate, it even appointed him chairman of the powerful Consumer Protection Committee. Maybe the committee can look into the company that sold the glass that shattered, cutting his girlfriend’s face.
The state chapter of the National Organization for Women is understandably outraged. NOW, which rarely says a harsh word about a Democrat, said: “Domestic violence is a crime. No person should be awarded a position of power while such heinous charges are pending.”
We agree, but the spineless Senate has chosen to ignore the overwhelming evidence that prosecutors have compiled, contending Monserrate flew into a rage, smashed a glass in his girlfriend’s face and then went to great lengths to cover up his deeds.
Yeah, yeah: Monserrate is innocent until proven guilty. But that does not excuse the Senate from examining evidence of a serious flaw in his character.
The senator said he is willing to work without the $12,500 salary bonus the chairmanship entails until the charges against him have been cleared.
But that does not address the character issue. If he is a man who lacks self−control or beats women, he should not be representing the people of Queens in the state Senate, even if he is willing to work for reduced pay.
