For Monserrate, Constituents May Have Last Word
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The State Senate's recent decision to expel Hiram Monserrate from Albany is fueling a debate among the very same people that elected him. NY1's Ruschell Boone filed the following report.It was business as usual Thursday at Hiram Monserrate's office in Corona -- even though Monserrate is no longer in office as far as the State Senate is concerned.
Some residents NY1 spoke with say the decision to remove him sits just fine with them.
"I think it was a good idea," said one Queens resident.
"They should have done that a long time ago," said another.
Some say the community needs a better role model. But while some are applauding the decision to expel Monserrate following his conviction of misdemeanor assault on his girlfriend, his removal has angered and disappointed others in the district where he continues to have strong support.
"They are taking a little issue and making it into a big matter. They are not seeing the things he did for the community," said one Queens resident.
Like Monserrate, many living in the district claim the senate had no right to give him the boot because the voters put him in office.
"Everybody makes mistakes. That's not a big mistake. So I want him in the community," said one QUeens resident.
"Everybody needs that guy. That guy does a good job for the community," said another.
If the courts uphold Monserrate's removal and he decides to run in the March 16th special election for his seat, many residents are pledging to support him. So, it appears one way or another Monserrate's constituents could still have the last word.