September 11 Digital Archive

For Dominicans in Queens, a dim view of Councilman Hiram Monserrate

Title

For Dominicans in Queens, a dim view of Councilman Hiram Monserrate

Source

born-digital

Media Type

article

Created by Author

yes

Described by Author

no

Date Entered

2002-04-18

VTMBH Article: Edition

15

VTMBH Article: Article Order

2

VTMBH Article: Title

For Dominicans in Queens, a dim view of Councilman Hiram Monserrate

VTMBH Article: Author

Bolivar Balcacer

VTMBH Article: Publication

Resumen

VTMBH Article: Original Language

Spanish

VTMBH Article: Translator

Hannah Emmerich

VTMBH Article: Section

briefs

VTMBH Article: Blurb

VTMBH Article: Keywords

VTMBH Article: Body

In his first days as councilmember of District 21 in Queens, the New Yorker-Puerto Rican Hiram Monserrate, a Democrat, presented himself as a friend of the people. However he can hardly be called that, considering he ran a nasty smear campaign with the help of Dominicans Juan Gómez and Miguel López. Moreover, Monserrate not only failed to show political effectiveness, but also has done little in favor of the community.

While López and Gómez remain loyal to the councilman, Monserrate has betrayed them through aggression against Dominican people. It is well known in Queens that during Monserrates campaign, he authorized the defacement of his opponents campaign material, especially that of Dominican Angel del Villar. It is also well known that Monserrate, a former policeman, was behind the removal of documents from a political event that was the cause of del Villars arrest. After holding a position in a Hispanic police organization (about which we will have more information in the future), Monserrate failed to honor the organization that gave him opportunity and education, and supportied subversive activities in his own department.

Monserrate is a fraud. During his campaign, he made many promises to the people of District 21, but after 120 days in office he has yet to give his first address to the community or present a political agenda for his term. There are two possible explanations for this: either the councilmember didnt know what he was getting himself into, or he is so steeped in corruption and disorganization that he do anything but maintain the status quo. One of his many campaign vows was to confront the drainage problem in District 21; however, he has yet to show any interest in the problem. The only noteworthy thing Monserrate has done so far has been to hold a meeting for 40 clergymen in a small restaurant in Queens, where they were served hot chocolate. No members of the press were invited to the meeting, further evidence of Monserrates disinterest in his position and in the community. He is so detached that he hasnt even thought about hiring a cleaning service; instead, his small staff takes care of that in his office on Northern Boulevard and 99th Street in Corona.

VTMBH Article: Line Breaks

1

VTMBH Article: Date

2002-04-18

VTMBH Article: Thumb

VTMBH Article: Article File

v15b2.doc

VTMBH Article: Hit Count

150

Citation

“For Dominicans in Queens, a dim view of Councilman Hiram Monserrate,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed November 8, 2024, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/1442.