NOW Attacks Monserrate Committee Hearings
January 11th, 2010
The Senate committee considering the fate of Sen. Hiram Monserrate is scheduled to meet again this evening. The committee was expected to make its recommendations about how or if to punish Monserrate late last year. News about what might be in the committee’s report broke weeks ago but today’s meeting is not expected to produce any major announcement.
Today Marcia Pappas, president of National Organization for Women-NYS, slammed the committee for not being more open and demanded increased transparency.
“The Senate Committee’s perpetual calls for ‘executive sessions’ have shut out both individuals and press interested in the safety of women and girls,” Pappas said in a statement.
“One has to wonder what they fear. This very public issue affects millions of New York’s women and girls. And the ‘top secret’ treatment on these discussions is an affront to every female. Indeed it’s the same-ole, same-ole of which all citizens are extremely tired. The legislature is very far from the transparent government citizens demand; and these closed-door meetings can only lead to more mistrust of our elected officials.”
The handling of the hearings has also annoyed a number of good government groups.
Some legislators are growing increasingly unhappy that Monserrate has yet to be booted from his seat.
By David King on January 11, 2010, 3:17 pmIn category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

