Letter to President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith regarding Senator Hiram Monserrate

October 19, 2009

Honorable Malcolm A. Smith
President Pro Tempore --New York State Senate
Room 332 Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Senator Smith:

I write on behalf of the thousands of college students in New York State and urge you to support a resolution expelling Senator Hiram Monserrate for his conduct outside of the Senate.

Upon election, government officials are required to fulfil a duty of the office to serve as a role model for all constituents, voting and non. The behaviours of Senator Monserrate are entirely reprehensible and must warrant further disciplinary action. Although the judicial process has taken its course and only found Senator Monserrate guilty of a misdemeanour, it is my steadfast belief that elected officials should be held to the highest standard.

As a voter in New York State, I would be extremely disappointed to call Senator Monserrate my Senator. As a result of his conviction, it is a likely possibility that he will be forced to serve some time in jail. The Constitution of the State of New York does not automatically remove a Senator upon the conviction of a misdemeanour, however, if he is not able to execute the duties of his office from prison, he is clearly not fit to serve.

The issue of domestic violence is a non-partisan issue and cannot be tolerated by anyone, especially the lawmakers who are elected to serve as representatives of their constituencies. Laws are created to apply to ALL citizens; Senators should not receive special treatment and have the ability to decide which laws they choose to adhere to.

I am insistent upon your action in this way for several reasons; the obvious humanitarian reason in addition to the necessity for a swift special election to replace Senator Monserrate upon his expulsion. The voters of New York’s thirteenth Senate district must be fairly and justly represented.

Respectfully yours,
Ian Rivera

President, College Democrats of New York

Cc: Honorable John Sampson; Democratic Conference Leader
Honorable Pedro Espada; Majority Leader

IR:bh