Potential candidates line up to replace Bonacic

MID-HUDSON – Three area
public officials have already said they are considering a run for the
Republican nomination for the Senate seat being vacated with the retirement
of John Bonacic (R, Mt. Hope) at the end of the year.
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 throwing his hat in the ring.
Republican 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.
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. “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.”