Special Election Endorsement
The March 16 Special Election for the 13th Senate district offers few options for the voters in the district. Jose Peralta, the Assemblyman for the 39th District is on the Democratic line, expelled Sen. Hiram Monserrate, who represented the district until last month, is running on the "Yes We Can" line and administrative law judge Robert Beltrani is running on the Republican line.Peralta has refused to answer questions related to a not-for-profit he helped found and cannot account for $250,000 he gave to the organization that rented space in a building owned by a family friend. He did not respond to multiple invitations to speak with the Tribune about his candidacy, perhaps related to stories we ran about how he illegally claimed in-kind rent donations from his mother when the actual donor was the same family friend that rented space to the mysterious non-profit.
Monserrate was convicted last year of reckless assault in the December 2008 attack that left his girlfriend needing 40 stitches. The conviction, and his staging of a power struggle in the Senate last year, led to his expulsion from the body.
Beltrani is a social conservative who would not pass a gay marriage bill or fund abortions for even the poorest of constituents, but who at least makes no apologies about his convictions. He is seeking to bring honesty, integrity and a smaller budget to Albany.
We clearly cannot support either Peralta or Monserrate; the thought of adding to Albany's culture of crap makes us throw up. Its time for a change - Peralta's questionable finances on personal and private funds and Monserrate's behavior leave us unable to endorse either.
Though we do not agree with many of Beltrani's positions on social issues, we at least believe that he is a person who will bring integrity to the seat and a fresh voice to Albany. The Queens Tribune reluctantly endorses Robert Beltrani in the March 16 Special Election.