Bonilla dropped from GOP ticket in town election

Town of Hempstead voters will not see Mark Bonilla’s name on the Republican line on the November ballot. The clerk did not receive his party’s nomination, and with his criminal trial set to begin this summer, his political future remains uncertain.

Adrian DiLuzio, Bonilla’s Mineola-based attorney, said his client did not expect to be nominated because of the criminal charges against him stemming from an alleged sexual harassment case.

“His life is completely on hold, which is unfortunate,” DiLuzio said.

Bonilla, of Bellmore, was arrested last Sept. 21 by Nassau County District Attorney’s Office investigators. Town Supervisor Kate Murray said complaints about sexual harassment by Bonilla were made to the town’s Human Resources Department last August, and the town attorney’s office investigated before turning the case over to Rice.

Bonilla faces misdemeanor charges of official misconduct, second-degree coercion and attempted petit larceny. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Sept. 22. A second official misconduct charge was added to a revised complaint filed in First District Court on Sept. 27, according to Rice.

Jury selection for Bonilla’s trial is set for July 8.

Nassau County Republican Committee spokesman Anthony Santino, who is a Town of Hempstead councilman, noted that party members feel they have chosen a qualified candidate in Bonilla’s place. Nasrin Ahmad, an administrative supervisor who has worked in the clerk’s office for more than a decade, received the Republican nomination. Santino said she was chosen because she has extensive experience in the clerk’s office and has been active in her community. He also noted that she is “living the American dream” as an immigrant.

“The town GOP decided to go in another direction, as we had an excellent candidate who was ready, willing and able,” Santino said.

DiLuzio said Bonilla did not attend the nominating convention, adding that his client supports the party’s choice. “He doesn't have any hostility to the ticket or the people that have been nominated,” he said.

Jasmine Garcia-Vieuxa, a lawyer with Smith & Brink, P.C, received the Democratic nomination for Hempstead clerk, who provides many licenses, permits and certificates to town residents and business owners, conducts marriages and is the town’s official record keeper.