Mid-Hudson Valley's Bonacic Won't Seek Re-election

MOUNT HOPE, NY — State Sen. John J. Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, announced Friday that he will not be seeking re-election to another term to serve the 42nd Senate District. “Next to being called Pat's husband and Melissa and Scott's father and a grandfather to three more, serving in the state senate has been the honor of my life," he said in a prepared statement.

"The 20 years I have spent in the Senate have been rewarding both personally and professionally, despite the frustrations that all of us experience in any career," Bonacic said. "Twenty years, though, is enough, and I look forward to spending quality time with my bride, Pat, and my children and grandchildren. They have collectively been my rock and my inspiration."

Bonacic served as a county legislator, chairman of the Orange County Legislature and an assemblyman.

"The fact that someone who grew up in the most urban area of the nation — Hell's Kitchen — could be welcomed into dairy barns in Delhi, and small businesses in Monticello, and mix with today's college students at New Paltz, while returning home at night to Orange County and being welcomed there also, is something that is a testament to the people of the 42nd Senate District," Bonacic said.

"As the grandson of immigrants, I could never have imagined that one day I would help approve the judges of the state's highest court as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, or work side by side with governors on issues critical to the people of our community — healthcare, flood control and, of course, job creation. It has been the privilege of many lifetimes, not just one," he said.

His standing committees include Judiciary (Chairman); Racing, Gaming and Wagering (Chairman); Rules; Finance; Housing; Banks; Children and Families and Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

The 42nd District includes Sullivan County and parts of Ulster, Orange and Delaware counties.

Photo credit: 42nd Senate District website.