When the State Legislature returns to Albany on November 10 for Governor David Paterson’s special budget trimming session, the State Senate will have another item on its plate.
That is when the special Senate committee formed to investigate the result of State Senate Hiram Monserrate’s misdemeanor conviction will officially begin its work.
The nine-member committee, which is made up of five Democrats and four Republicans chaired by Bronx/Manhattan State Senator Eric Schneiderman, cannot be officially constituted until the Senate returns to Albany. But, it has already begun doing some preliminary work, according to Queens State Senator Toby Stavisky – one of the five Democrats who sits on the committee.
“We are navigating in uncharted waters,” said Stavisky, after the committee was announced on October 20. “It is important that we establish a process that is fair, just and comprehensive.”
Since Monserrate was cleared of two felony counts but convicted of one count of misdemeanor assault, he does not automatically lose his Senate seat. However, since the judge handed down the verdict on October 15, many legislators – from both sides of the political aisle – have called for Monserrate to resign.
“It is one thing to be accused of domestic violence but quite another to be found guilty of charges related to domestic violence,” said Queens Congressmember Gregory Meeks. “Senator Monserrate should spare himself, his colleagues and constituents, and his family of further anguish and anger. He should resign, now.”
After the Senate committee finishes its investigation, for which there is no timetable yet, they will report its findings and recommendations to the entire State Senate.
Monserrate issued a statement shortly after the committee was formed saying he and his attorneys plan to cooperate fully with the committee.
“Senator Monserrate respects Conference Leader John Sampson’s and the Democratic Conference decision to review the matter,” the statement read.
