by Myrek Zastavnyi
The Orange County Legislature turned a significant page in its history last Thursday with the election of Kevin Hines as its new Chairman. The 13-7 vote, supported by a coalition of Republican and Democratic legislators, brought an end to Katie Bonelli’s tumultuous tenure and signaled a new commitment to collaboration, transparency, and effective governance.
The election was widely seen as a referendum on Bonelli’s divisive leadership, which had come under fire for fostering political discord and diminishing public trust. For many, Hines’ election represents a fresh start and a renewed focus on addressing the needs of Orange County residents.
The End of Bonelli’s Controversial Reign
Katie Bonelli, a Republican from Blooming Grove, faced a decisive defeat that marked a stark repudiation of her leadership. Her tenure, described by members of her own party, was marked with gaslighting, politically motivated decision-making, and exclusionary practices, and has left deep divisions within the legislature.
Democratic Legislator Genesis Ramos of Newburgh, who often clashed with Bonelli, welcomed the change. “The time has come for the reign of fear to end,” Ramos said, highlighting a culture of divisiveness that she believes undermined the legislature’s effectiveness.
The overwhelming support for Hines from his colleagues underscored a collective desire to move beyond the contentious politics of the past. “This vote is about moving forward together,” another legislator said. “It’s about putting the residents of Orange County first and making decisions that reflect their best interests.”
A New Leader with a Vision
Kevin Hines, a Republican from Cornwall with a long history of public service, has pledged to prioritize unity and transparency in the legislature. “My goal is to ensure that we are working together, regardless of party lines, to address the issues that matter most to Orange County residents,” Hines said. “I want to bring the Legislature back together. I will treat everyone with respect regardless of their political party and where they live. I was voted in bi-partisanly, which I am proud of and everyone will be treated fairly. I will listen to everyone’s ideas.”
Hines’ initial focus includes addressing critical infrastructure needs, tackling housing affordability, and fostering economic development. Drawing on his background as a volunteer firefighter, Hines likened his new role to “putting out fires” in the legislature. “To fix the bridges, the roads, job creation, economic development—all the things we are so proud of here in Orange County,” he said.
Early Actions Signal Change
Hines wasted no time in demonstrating his commitment to transparency and public engagement. Among his first actions as chairman were two key amendments:
- Evening Meetings: To promote greater accessibility and public participation, the legislature will hold evening sessions in 2025. This move was widely praised as a step toward increasing community involvement in local governance.
- Reinstatement of the Warwick Valley Dispatch as a Paper of Record: An amendment introduced by Warwick Legislator Glenn Ehlers reinstated The Warwick Valley Dispatch to its official role as a conduit for public notices and legal information. This decision reversed a controversial 2023 measure that had removed Warwick’s only qualifying local newspaper from the legal roll, a move that critics argued undermined transparency.
Legislator Leigh Benton applauded these initial steps, stating, “This is exactly the kind of leadership we’ve been waiting for—responsive, open, and committed to doing what’s right for the people of Orange County.”
Warwick Legislators and the Vote
The role of Warwick’s three legislators in the leadership vote was pivotal but deeply divided. Glenn Ehlers emerged as a key supporter of Hines, casting his vote for change and championing transparency. Ehlers, who introduced the amendment to restore The Warwick Valley Dispatch, highlighted the importance of keeping the community informed. “Kevin Hines brings a breath of fresh air and a commitment to transparency that this legislature needs,” Ehlers said.
In contrast, Barry Cheney and Paul Ruszkiewicz chose to support Bonelli, moving and seconding her nomination despite widespread criticism of her leadership. Their votes against reinstating The Warwick Valley Dispatch further sparked controversy. For many, their opposition to Warwick’s hometown newspaper—an institution serving the community for 139 years—was seen as a denial of the public’s right to access government information.
“Voting against The Dispatch was effectively a vote against transparency,” one legislator remarked. “It’s hard to understand how Cheney and Ruszkiewicz can justify turning their backs on a publication that has long been a trusted resource for our community.”
A Focus on Transparency and Unity
Hines’ leadership has already brought a palpable shift in tone to the legislature. By emphasizing cooperation and accountability, he aims to restore faith in the legislative process and address long-standing issues.
The reinstatement of evening meetings was another milestone that drew widespread praise. For years, Democrats in the legislature had decried the lack of accessible meeting times, which limited public participation. They called for the legislature to hold select evening meetings each year, as is common with local municipal boards. By agreeing to hold several meetings this year in the evening, Hines demonstrated a willingness to address this issue head-on and signaled his intent to bridge the gap between legislators and the communities they serve.
Chairman of County Legislature; Leigh Benton, Majority Leader,
OC Legislature.
Looking Ahead
The election of Kevin Hines as Chairman represents more than just a change in leadership—it symbolizes a renewed focus on unity, transparency, and accountability. As the legislature begins this new chapter, residents and legislators alike are optimistic about the potential for meaningful progress.
The decisions made in the coming months will shape Orange County’s future, and under Hines’ leadership, there is hope that the legislature will rise to the occasion. With representatives like Glenn Ehlers championing the values of transparency and community engagement, the path forward looks promising.
As one legislator aptly noted, “This is our chance to show the residents of Orange County that we can work together to make a difference. The time for division is over. Now, it’s time to deliver.”
A Pivotal Year
The leadership transition comes at a crucial time for the Orange County Legislature. With all 21 seats up for election in November 2025 and redistricting reshaping districts across the county, the stakes for Orange County governance—and Warwick in particular—are higher than ever.
Glenn Ehlers has emerged as one Warwick legislator to watch. His unwavering commitment to transparency and his support for measures like reinstating public notices in newspapers serving Warwick reflect a dedication to serving the public good. “Ehlers has proven that he’s willing to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not the easy path,” one resident remarked. His alignment with newly elected Chairman Kevin Hines signals a shift toward collaboration and accountability.
In contrast, the electability of Warwick legislators Barry Cheney and Paul Ruszkiewicz is increasingly coming into question among constituents and fellow Republicans. Unlike Ehlers, who does not receive additional stipends for committee roles and has consistently championed transparency, Cheney and Ruszkiewicz have faced criticism for their actions, votes, and allegiances. Their support for the controversial tenure of former Chairwoman Katie Bonelli, coupled with decisions that critics say undermine transparency and accountability, has drawn ire from within their own party.
A Warwick Republican Party Committee member hinted at potential consequences for their re-election campaigns, stating before the leadership vote, “If Warwick’s representatives choose to preserve Katie’s post as Chairwoman and empower Democrats to control key committees, they should NOT be considered for endorsement for re-election.” This sentiment underscores growing dissatisfaction among voters who expect integrity, accountability, and a commitment to good governance from their representatives.
To further complicate the upcoming Orange County Legislature elections, Florida Mayor Daniel Harter has reportedly sought support from the Warwick Republican Committee to run in a district that includes Florida and Goshen*, vacated by retiring legislator Jimmy O’Donnell. Several committee members have expressed concerns that Harter, if elected, would align with the Cheney-Ruszkiewicz agenda, further entrenching what critics see as a pattern of political self-interest over public service.
The 2025 elections will serve as a referendum on the values and priorities of Orange County’s leadership. Voters must decide whether to endorse candidates who embody transparency and accountability or risk continuing a legacy of questionable alliances and diminished trust. With Ehlers setting a new standard for representation, the path forward offers a choice between meaningful progress and more of the same political stagnation.
For more information on other developments, see this link https://www.wvdispatch.com/2025/01/mayor-harters-legislative-bid-raises-concerns-over-ethics-transparency-and-double-dipping/ for the accompanying article.
