Monserrate Panel Will Meet Monday

ALBANY—The Monserrate Inquisition Panel will meet Monday night.

State Senator Eric Schneiderman told me by phone that the meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m., will be organizational and will provide an opportunity to introduce Daniel Alonso, the attorney who will serve as the committee's counsel, to members. Schneiderman also said that Republican on the committee have designated Andrew Lanza, a former prosecutor from Staten Island, as their ranking member.

The panel was formed after Hiram Monserrate was convicted of misdemeanor assault in connection with manhandling his girlfriend. Under the legislative law, it can issue a report that could lead the State Senate to vote for Monserrate's ouster. Several senators--and other outside officials--have called for Monserrate's resignation or removal.

"It's just an organizing meeting," Schneiderman said. "We'll go over the scope of the inquiry and other organizational items."