Sen. Alesi Named to Monserrate Committee

By WXXI Center for Public Affairs

Rochester, NY – Area state senator James Alesi is one of four Republicans named to a bipartisan panel dealing with the recent conviction of Democratic Senator Hiram Monserrate.

Monserrate was found guilty of a misdemeanor for physically assaulting his girlfriend. The nine-member Senate panel is charged with making a recommendation as to whether Monserrate should be expelled or censured.

Senator Alesi says Monserrate would have automatically been expelled if it were a felony charge, but misdemeanors require more careful consideration according to Alesi.

"So the thrust is to work with Democrats and Republicans to try to determine the value of allowing him to continue to serve, or whether the institution demands a certain level of dignity or proper behavior."

Alesi says this is a very serious task, especially coming on the heels of the Senate coup in June.

"I think people are very dismayed that this noble, august body known as the upper house has almost disintegrated into an unruly body," he said. "So I think it is a good sign that the Senate is trying to heal itself through this process."

Alesi says he is uncertain when the panel will deliver its recommendation to the Senate for a vote. Alesi says the last time the Senate voted to expel one of its members was in the 1920's.