Senator Flanagan Appointed as a Member of the Monserrate Committee

Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos today named Senator John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) as a member of the New York State Senate special committee that will investigate the matter regarding Senator Hiram Monserrate.  

The committee will investigate the conduct of Senator Monserrate following his conviction by the State Supreme Court of Queens County of a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from an incident with his girlfriend late last year.

“I take this appointment very seriously and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to have an open and fair examination of the facts surrounding this case.  Any time there is an incident involving domestic violence, it must be dealt with quickly to ensure the public’s trust in their elected officials,” stated Senator Flanagan, a former Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee.

According to the Senate Majority Leader’s office, the Committee will conduct an expeditious review of the facts and relevant evidence.  In its work, it will also examine precedent, Senate Rules, and all relevant law to establish the proper procedures and identify the remedies available to the Senate in relation to the conduct of a member.

Following the completion of its investigation, the committee will report back to the Senate with its recommendations.

According to the Senate Majority, the Committee will be composed of nine members, consisting of five Democrats and four Republicans.  Joining Senator Flanagan on the panel from the Republican Conference are Senator Andrew Lanza, Senator James Alesi and Senator Cathy Young.

The committee will be chaired by Senator Eric Schneiderman who will be joined by Senators Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Diane Savino, Toby Ann Stavisky, and Andrea Stewart-Cousins.