MID-HUDSON – The retiring
State Senator John Bonacic has received nothing but accolades from both
sides of the political aisle.
Three area public officials have already said they are considering a run
for the Republican nomination for that Senate seat. Daniel Depew, a Republican
like Bonacic, a former Wallkill town supervisor and Orange County legislator,
and current deputy Sullivan County administrator, said he is seriously
considering a campaign and post.
Republican State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, a former Deerpark town supervisor,
said he believes he is the most qualified for the job and he, too, is
considering throwing his hat in the ring.
Wallkill Town Supervisor, Republican, Edward Diana, a former county executive,
said he was considering a run for the post.
Ulster County GOP Chairman Roger Rascoe praised Bonacic for his decades
of public service, but said it is too soon to speculate as to who may
be his successor.
State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, a Democrat, whose district overlaps
with Bonacic’s, said she had no intention of running for that seat.
One of the two declared Democrat candidates, Jen Metzger, said that “while
we have had our policy differences, I appreciate John Bonacic’s
long-standing commitment to public service.”
A second Democrat seeking the party nomination is anti-CPV leader Pramilla
Malick. A second Democrat seeking the party nomination is anti-CPV leader
Pramilla Malick. “I was looking forward to debating John Bonacic
and confronting him on his close family ties to CPV,” she said.
“While Senator Bonacic has done some good things for the district
he has unfortunately tarnished his legacy by his deeply disturbing involvement
in facilitating the CPV Valley project.”
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said Bonacic is “one of
the most decent men that I have ever met in public service. His retirement
is a major loss to the residents that he proudly served.”
The leadership of the Hudson Valley Labor Federation thanks him “for
his four decades of public service. We wish you all the best in your retirement,”
said.
