John Bonacic
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John Bonacic (born June 14, 1942 in New York City) is the Republican New York State Senator from the 42nd District (All or parts of Delaware, Sullivan, Orange, and Ulster Counties). Bonacic was first elected in November 1998.
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[edit] Current Senate Committee Memberships
Bonacic currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Construction & Community Development. He is also the Co-Chair of the Senate Task Force on Health & Wellness and is the Senate's Representative on Governor Pataki's Small Cities Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Senate's Budget Sub-Committee on Housing, Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, and Transportation.
In addition, Senator Bonacic serves as a member of several other Senate committees, including: Tourism, Recreation & Sports Development; Judiciary; Local Government; Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business; Banks; Codes; and Labor.
[edit] Legislative Focus
Senator Bonacic is recognized as an independent leader within the Senate. From nearly his first day in the Senate, he has challenged the conventional thinking of the long-time Majority on issues relating to healthcare, property tax reform, and government reform. Bonacic was the Senate sponsor of the Women's Health and Wellness Act, legislation so significant it was featured nationally on NBC Nightly News and has been called the most comprehensive women's healthcare law in the nation.
Bonacic was also the first voice within the current Senate membership to articulate a series of arguments against the current property tax system. He held statewide hearings in 2003 that led to the development of property tax reform legislation. That legislation, while supported in the Senate, was not brought to a vote in Assembly Committees, which are controlled by downstate Democrats. In addition, he offered legislation to remove the property tax, at local option, on primary residential property. That concept was picked up and passed in the Senate in 2006; again, without any action in the Assembly - which has ignored the property tax problem.
[edit] Education
Bonacic received his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Iona College in 1964, majoring in Economics. He received his Doctorate of Law at Fordham University School of Law in 1968.
[edit] Resume
- Counsel to the Law Firm of Bonacic, Krahulik & Associates, LLP
- Assistant District Attorney for Orange County
- Began his political career in 1972 when he became an Orange County Legislator. He was re-elected to this post four times, serving a total of 17 years.
[edit] Memberships, Associations
- member of both the Orange County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association
- admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey
[edit] Sources
| Preceded by Mary McPhillips |
New York State Assembly, 94th District 1990–1992 |
Succeeded by Nancy Calhoun |
| Preceded by Nancy Calhoun |
New York State Assembly, 95th District 1993–1998 |
Succeeded by Howard Mills III |
| Preceded by Charles D. Cook |
New York State Senate, 40th District 1999–2002 |
Succeeded by Vincent Leibell |
| Preceded by Neil Breslin |
New York State Senate, 42nd District 2003 – present |
Incumbent |
