JACKSON HEIGHTS – Council Member Hiram Monserrate today joined with labor and community leaders in Jackson Heights to announce his candidacy for the 13th NYS Senate District, including Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside. His announcement included a recent endorsement by the Working Families Party, a grassroots community and labor-based political party, as well as DC 37 Local 983, Laborers Local 78 and the Mason Tenders District Council, UFCW Local l500 and the Queens Democratic Party.

"The residents and families of Queens work hard every day to ensure their children a better quality of life," said Monserrate. "They deserve a representative in Albany that fights for them and gets results. As a marine, a police officer and a current member of the City Council, I look forward to bringing my energy, commitment and record of results to Albany.

I have worked to secure more police officers through NYPD’s Operation Impact to bring crime levels down. I have secured funds to build two new schools opening next fall that will help alleviate overcrowding. I have expanded and renovated our parks and playgrounds. I brought back city-wide free parking on Sundays. And I have not been afraid to stand up to big-moneyed interests, such as the owners of the Mets and Port Authority, to secure access to quality training programs and living wage jobs for Queens residents.

As the state Senate moves toward a Democratic majority, our residents need real progressive leadership in Albany that can deliver. As an effective legislator and a tireless advocate for Queens residents, I have taken on the tough issues that matter to Queens and gotten results that matter. By bringing new leadership to the State Senate, I will continue to deliver results in Albany that will ensure today’s resources and tomorrow’s opportunities."

"The WFP enthusiastically endorses Hiram for State Senate," said Dan Cantor, Executive Director of the Working Families Party. "In the City Council, Hiram has delivered on fair wages, affordable housing and good schools. Our members and affiliates are excited to get out and support Hiram in the streets to make sure he’s our representative in the Senate."

"In the City Council, Hiram has proven day after day that he’s a leader working to challenge and change the status quo," said Edison Severino, Business Manager for Laborers Local 78. "Our members live, work and raise their families in Queens. They know Hiram’s energy and commitment have made their communities better and their children’s future brighter. We are proud to stand with him today through Election Day to ensure he continues to work for us in Albany."

"For the past 6 years, Hiram has provided his constituents and the working people of this city with the benefits of both access and action," said Bruce W. Both, President of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500. "He’s brought new voices and ideas to the table and gotten results where others have failed. We are ready and willing to do the same for him throughout this campaign to send him to Albany."

"The men and women of DC 37 Local 983 know that Hiram fights and delivers for working families," said Joe Puleo, Vice President of DC 37 Local 983. "He brings diverse people together, builds effective coalitions and get results. We are proud to be on the ground with him in this campaign and in the future in Albany."

Monserrate has been a life-long public servant on behalf of our nation and his hometown of Queens. He graduated from Jamaica High School, Queensborough Community College and Queens College. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, where he received the National Defense Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He also served 12 years as a New York City police officer, protecting the safety and quality of life of Queens residents. He was the first police officer elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

In 2001, Hiram was the first Latino elected to public office when he won his seat in the City Council representing the 21st District. A veteran, he serves as the Chair of the Veterans Committee and, from 2002 through 2005, served as Co-Chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus. In Queens, he has served as a Democratic District Leader since 2000. In 2006, he came within 247 votes of winning his campaign for the Senate seat.

For more information, visit www.hiram08.com.