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APR 07 - APR 14, 2015

Boniello Fundraiser At Antonio's Longtime Falls' Lawyer Kicks off Campaign for City Court Judge

April 07, 2015

"After practicing law for 36 years, I've made a decision to move into a new arena: being a judge," said David Boniello.

The Committee to Elect David Boniello has announced a kick-off fundraiser.

Boniello is one of three announced candidates vying for two positions as Judge of the City Court of Niagara Falls in the upcoming November election.

The other two candidates are Niagara Falls attorney, Danielle Restaino, and incumbent Chief City Court Judge, Mark Violante.

The race is shaping up as one of more than usual interest since all three candidates are from prominent legal families, yet only two are destined to win this November.

Restaino is the daughter of former City Court Judge Robert Restaino, and Violante is the brother of Niagara County District Attorney, Michael Violante.

The Boniello event will take place on Thursday, April 16, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Antonio's Banquet Center, Niagara Falls Blvd., in Niagara Falls.

A full buffet and bar service will be served.

The public is invited to attend and meet the candidate and hear his views on the law, and how a city court judge should comport himself in the pursuit of justice.

"One of the most important rights we are entitled to as citizens is fair and equal treatment, and justice for all," Boniello says. "This is not a philosophy I tout as my belief, but a right given to us by the United States Constitution. These rights extend to how you are treated in a court of law. One expects that when they stand before a judge they will be treated fairly and justly, free from stereotypes, biases or favoritism."

Boniello, who practices law at 2902 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, where he is a general practitioner, began his career in 1979, on the corner of Main Street and Cedar Avenue, at the law firm of his late father Ralph A. Boniello. There he handled divorce, personal injury, criminal and other matters.

Among Boniello's notable cases, was one in connection to the Love Canal disaster in the 1980's. Boniello was one of the first attorneys to file claims on behalf of affected homeowners.

In 1982 he established his own practice, and was concurrently appointed an assistant district attorney for the County of Niagara. He went on to become town prosecutor for the Town of Wheatfield, and deputy town attorney for the Town of Lewiston, while continuing his duties as assistant county attorney and maintaining his private law practice.

During the interval of some 36 years of practice, Boniello represented clients in personal injury, criminal, civil and trial litigations, corporate matters, real estate and estates.

His experience as an assistant district attorney, and private practitioner has occasioned appearances in the City, Supreme, County, Federal, Surrogate, Family, the Appellate Division, and town justice courts across the State.

Boniello, having been both a defense attorney and a prosecutor, developed a philosophy of the law and justice:

"Every person deserves and is entitled to their day in court," he said. "A decision made by a judge today can affect your life, as well as the lives of your family and friends for many years to come. Justice depends not only on the law, but also upon the interpretation and application of the law to the legal issue before the court."

Born and raised in Niagara Falls by his father, Ralph, and mother, Dorothea Lagomaggiore Boniello, he attended Ashland Avenue Elementary, Stella Niagara, and South Junior High School, and graduated from Niagara Falls High School.

He went on to attend the University of Miami where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the New England Law School in Boston. He was admitted to practice as an attorney and counselor at law by the State of New York, on September, 18, 1979.

He has four siblings, Ralph A. Boniello, III, Irene Conti, Marianne Civiletto, and Dorothea Boniello.

Apparently, law runs deep in this family.

David's father, Ralph, was a practicing Niagara Falls attorney for more than 50 years, was Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Niagara Falls for 24 years.

His sister, Irene, married a Niagara Falls attorney, the late Joseph Conti.

His sister Marianne is married to Niagara Falls attorney Samual J. Civiletto.

His sister, Dorothea Boniello, is, herself, a practicing attorney.

David's brother, Ralph III, also a lawyer, is a State Supreme Court justice sitting in Niagara Falls.

David also has two nieces who are practicing attorneys, Elizabeth Conti Scheurer and Kristen Boniello Ingham.

A candidate for city court judgeship must reside in the city, and David Boniello lives here with his wife of 21 years, the former Kathleen Watkins of Niagara Falls. They have four children: Alex, Brian Butry, Jonathan Butry, and Kathryn Fosco, and four granddaughters.

To complete the list of his family members, there is also Bailey, Boniello's Bernese Mountain Dog.

If elected as city court judge, Boniello said, "I will remain impartial and independent, and not form a decision until all facts are presented, and proper law has been applied. I promise to be a judge for the People, a fair but firm judge, who will treat every person that comes before me with equality, with respect and with dignity."

Tickets to this fundraiser event at Antonio's are available at the door for $30.00 per person, or $50.00 per couple.

For more information please contact 716-285-1868 or info@votedavidboniello.com.

Presently, Boniello is a member of:

• Niagara County YWCA Centennial Committee;

• Pine Avenue Business Association;

• New York State Bar Association;

• Niagara County Bar Association;

• New York State Civil and Criminal Trial Attorneys Association.

During his 36 years of law practice, Boniello served on:

• Board counsel of Niagara County Builders' Association;

• Board counsel of Niagara Falls Area Board of Realtors;

• Board counsel and Past President of Niagara County SPCA;

• Board counsel and Member of the Pine Avenue Business Association;

• Attorney for Main Street Business Association;

• Board President and Board member of the Porta-Niagara Girls Club;

• Past member of the Niagara University Council.

Boniello received:

• Recognition Award from the Porta-Niagara Girls Club – 1997;

• Appreciation Award from National MS Society – 1998;

• Good Neighbor Award – 1993;

• Positive Attitude Brotherhood Award – Pine Avenue Business Association – 1991.

• Helping Hand Award – Porta-Niagara Girls Club – 1999;

• Friendship Award – Porta-Niagara Girls Club - 2001;

• Listed in Who's Who of Rising Young Americans, 1992;

• Received the BV Distinguished Rating – Martindale Hubbell – 2014.

 

 

 

 

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