Now, as a result, Ms. Bonner, a registered Conservative with Republican backing, is facing a GOP primary from a labor-backed candidate for her 2nd District seat.
Miller Place resident Maria Navarro, a Republican union official with the support of the town's Civil Service employees, will appear opposite Ms. Bonner on the primary ballot Tuesday.
Ms. Navarro, who is a health office assistant at North Country Road Middle School in Miller Place, serves as president of the Suffolk Educational CSEA Local 870, a union representing more than 6,500 members spread out through 72 school districts. Although Ms. Navarro does not have the endorsement of the CSEA's regional legislative and political action committee, she has the support of the town's unions, according to political insiders. The GPS legislation was first introduced as a cost-saving measure by Democrats, prior to Ms. Bonner having been elected. The first bills introducing the policy were initially rejected, and after several delays the legislation was only approved when it received the support of Ms. Bonner and Republican Keith Romaine.
Ms. Navarro said she is running against Ms. Bonner for two reasons. First, Ms. Navarro believes she could be a better fiscal manager and doesn't believe the GPS initiative makes good use of taxpayers' money. Second, Ms. Navarro explained, residents have told her that the councilwoman has not listened to their complaints.
"I'd prefer to build bridges, not walls," Ms, Navarro said.
Bill Walsh, president of the CSEA's blue-collar unit, told the Sun he supported Ms. Navarro. Mr. Walsh questioned Ms. Bonner's decision to go along with the GPS initiative despite the economy, pointing out that there have been problems associated with the devices such as faulty batteries and issues regarding warranties.
"If one supervisor can't supervise five people, it's a management problem," Mr. Walsh said. "We don't need to spend $1 million to monitor what the employees are already doing, which is their jobs."
Ms. Bonner refuted any claims that the initiative was a bad fiscal measure. According to numbers supplied by the town finance department, the GPS initiative saved 46,000 gallons of gas, almost 1 million miles, for a combined savings of approximately $300,000 between January and July. The department's records predict 80,000 gallons of gas, almost $1.6 million in mileage, and $600,000 will be saved between the period of January and December.
Ms. Bonner said she is seeking re-election because she wishes to continue to make government more accountable.
"This primary is not about good government at all," Ms. Bonner said. "It's about the unions being upset because I supported the GPS and vehicle policy. It's about the Democrats supporting my opponent because they know that I will be hard to beat if I get the Republican line."
Brian Eckhouse, communications director for the Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee, said his committee does not get involved in Republican primaries.
Mr. Romaine also faces a challenge on the Conservative line this Tuesday. Mr. Romaine, a Moriches Republican, will be challenged by Christopher Marshall. Mr. Marshall also serves as first vice president to Ms. Navarro at the CSEA.
Ronald Lupski, a former Republican cross-endorsed by Democrats and the Working Families Party, has been challenged by Thomas Schiliro for the Democratic line. Joseph May, a Mastic Beach resident, is running on the Independence line unchallenged. Depending on Tuesday's results, the 6th District could have five candidates on the ballot come November.
In Suffolk County elections, incumbent Legislator Daniel Losquadro has been challenged on the Independence line by Bryan Lilly, a Democrat, whom he defeated in the 2007 general election.
peggy@northshoresun.com