Francois Runs For NY State Assembly 2022: Patch Candidate Profile

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — In 2022's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for state and local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Eudson Tyson Francois of Spring Valley is running for New York State Assembly in the 97th District. It's an open seat as incumbent Mike Lawler is challenging U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney for the 17th Congressional District. Rockland County Legislator John W. McGowan will have the Republican line on the ballot in November.

Francois, a former Spring Valley village trustee, also served as Spring Valley Police Commissioner from 2017-21. He said he sees the government's role is to serve its citizens, and opposes the GOP platform of government control over education, women and the media.

The 46-year-old has 20 years of experience in the health care and marketing industry. He received his bachelor's degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in Humanities with a Double Minor in African American Studies and French.

Learn more about him on his campaign website.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for New York State Assembly because I care about my community. During my term as Spring Valley Village Trustee, I was on the frontlines of many important battles, including the fight to secure funding for the MLK center's summer camp programs. As police commissioner, I saw firsthand the concerning rise in crime, especially locally, where we are seeing shootings or stabbing weekly on our streets. I am running because I want to be a part of giving back to the hometown that raised me and supported me.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The major difference between my opponent and me is our approach toward government control. I believe that the government should have very little control over our independent lives but should be there to help citizens who need it. As State Assemblyman, I wouldn't take a vote to strip Americans of their freedoms. My opponent aligns himself with a party and platform that advocates for increased government control on women's bodily autonomy, education, and the media.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The incumbent ditched this seat after one term in order to pursue higher office. Mike Lawler ran in 2020, promising to be a bipartisan and effective legislator. Instead, he voted against plans that would've increased funding for small businesses, schools, and local governments. He left Rockland County behind.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

On top of public safety, I plan to work with local elected officials and partners in Albany, to tackle the issue of education oversight reform and the issues that face the East Ramapo Central School District. We also need to work on increasing paths to homeownership, homeowners’ rights, and tenant protections while reducing property taxes. You can view our full platform on our website at FrancoisForAssembly.com

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Whether it be the 23 years that I have committed to my church community as Youth Director and a Sunday School teacher, or my work as a Teacher Policy Board Member for the East Ramapo School District over the past 9 years, I have constantly shown up and delivered for my community, no matter the role, and no matter the commitment. In 2020, I received the New York State Senate Black Excellence and Leadership award for my work on behalf of my community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

In public service, you always need to put community first.