Niagara Falls attorney David Boniello announced his candidacy this week for Niagara Falls City Court Judge.
Boniello seeks to fill the seat vacated by retiring City Court Judge Angelo J. Morinello.
"For more than 36 years I have practiced law in Niagara Falls and throughout Western New York," Boniello said. "I plan to bring that same level of commitment to serving on the bench."
In entering the race, Boniello will oppose another local attorney, Danielle M. Restaino, who announced she will run in January.
Restaino maintains a private law practice on Third Street, and is a staff member with the Niagara County Public Defender's office.
Both candidates come from politically and legally prominent families.
Restaino is the daughter of Robert Restaino, also an attorney, a former city court judge and present School Board Member. She is the niece of Anthony Restaino, Director of the Niagara County Department of Social Services.
Boniello began his law practice in 1979 with the law firm of his late father, Ralph A. Boniello and his brother, Ralph A. Boniello, III, who is now a State Supreme Court Justice sitting in Niagara Falls.
In 1982, David Boniello opened his own law firm, specializing in criminal court cases as well as personal injury, trial court litigation and real estate.
Boniello has, in addition to his decades of private law practice, served in a number of law enforcement positions.
While maintaining his law office, he also served as an assistant district attorney assigned to the Niagara Falls City Court for 12 years.
"I have firsthand knowledge of the violence plagued by this city," Boniello said. "Our community needs someone in the courtroom who understands and will address the concerns of the elderly, someone who will work to combat violence and address the problems affecting our children, our families and our neighborhoods."
Besides his work as an assistant district attorney for Niagara County, Boniello served as an assistant district attorney in various town and city courts, served as an assistant county attorney for Niagara County that included cases in juvenile court, was a former assistant town attorney for the Town of Lewiston and former town prosecutor for the Town of Wheatfield.
"As judge, I will adhere to the same principles that have sustained me throughout my career," He said. "My decisions will be made in a firm, fair and efficient manner while also protecting the rights of victims."
Boniello received his Juris Doctor degree from the New England School of Law and his Bachelor degree from the University of Miami, Florida. He is a graduate of Niagara Falls High School.
His memberships include the Erie County Bar Association, the New York State Civil and Criminal Trial Attorneys Association, and the Niagara County Bar Association. He previously served as board member or board counsel for Niagara County Builders Association; Niagara Falls Board of Realtors; Pine Avenue Business Association; Niagara County SPCA; Porta-Niagara Girls Club and Family Center; as well as the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce and Niagara University Council.
Boniello will kick off his campaign on April 16, at an event to be held at Antonio's Banquet Center.