NAME: Hiram Monserrate
AGE: 43
PARTY: Democrat
BACKGROUND: For the past 10 years, Hiram Monserrate has represented parts of western Queens as a legislator – first serving in the City Council from 2002 through 2008 – and then as a State Senator beginning in January 2009. A former marine and police officer, Monserrate was expelled from the State Senate earlier this year after a Queens judge convicted him of one misdemeanor count of assault.
What was your greatest legislative accomplishment in 2009?
Monserrate said that he was proud of many things he accomplished including getting three bills passed that he personally introduced in the Consumer Protection Committee. He also touted being one of the decisive votes that helped pass reforms to the Rockefeller drug laws and securing more than $5 million for the expansion and the refurbishment of Travers Park.
What is the number one reason voters should choose you in March? Monserrate said that the number one reason voters should elect him is because he delivers for the people of his district. “I am not swayed one inch by the endorsement of political bosses and elected officials who don’t live in this community,” Monserrate said. “I am not swayed one bit by career politicians who want to decide and select someone with a minimal record against mine. I am only concerned with one thing . . . this community, who has on more than one occasion voted for me and that is the only endorsement I need.”
The winner of the election will be thrust right into the budget negotiations. What would be your number one priority?
Monserrate believes he would be in a better position to help his constituents during the difficult budget negotiation. “I’ve actually been in the body where the individual has some say as opposed to being like Jose Peralta [in the Assembly] where the leadership calls all the shots,” Monserrate said.
