Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte 138th Assembly District
Francine DelMonte, D-Niagara Falls, became the 99th member of the New York State Assembly following her victory in the November 7, 2000 election. After serving 20 years as an Assembly chief of staff to retired Assemblyman Joseph T. Pillittere and staff aide to Assembly Majority Leader Paul A. Tokasz, DelMonte unseated a freshman incumbent in her second bid for the seat.
Assemblywoman DelMonte represents the city of Niagara Falls and the towns of Niagara, Lewiston, Porter, Cambria, Wilson, Newfane, and Hartland. The district is a diverse blend of urban, suburban, and rural interests. It is home to the mighty Niagara Falls (the second most visited tourist site in New York State) which supplies the water necessary to produce hydroelectric power in Niagara Power Plant (one of the nation's largest hydropower plants) in Lewiston. The district has a large agricultural component withorchards, dairy farms, and a ledgling wine industry. Its close proximity to Canada is a magnet for domestic and international tourists who easily visit its sister city via three international bridges.
The district, especially Niagara Falls, has fallen on hard economic times. Revitalizing the area's economy; introducing access to high tech initiatives and targeting state resources to the district are DelMonte's top priorities in her first term.
She graduated from Buffalo State College and completed course requirements for a Master of Arts degree from SUNY Albany. She is a lifelong resident of Niagara County and currently resides with her husband, Douglas M. Clarke, Jr.
Standing Committee Assignments 2001: Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Racing and Wagering; Tourism, Arts and Sports Development.
