David R. Townsend, Jr. was elected in November 1990 to the New York State Assembly from the 115th Assembly District, located in Central New York. Assemblyman Townsend resides in the Town of Kirkland. He has a daughter, Kimberly Thomas, a son David Townsend III, a granddaughter Lauren Thomas, a grandson Kyle Thomas, and a granddaughter Katlynn Marie Townsend. Assemblyman Townsend previously served the people through law enforcement. In 1966, he was appointed to the Rome Police Department and, in the following year, he was appointed to the New York State Police. On January 1, 1979, he was appointed to the Oneida County Sheriff's Department, a position in which he served until his election to the Assembly.
From 1982 to 1989, while with the Sheriff's Department, he served as an undercover narcotics officer, and in 1987 was assigned to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in Syracuse, New York. During this period, he served as president of the Oneida County Deputy Sheriff's Benevolent Association and president of the New York State Deputy's Association, positions he held through 1990.
Assemblyman Townsend currently serves as the Minority Whip. Additionally, the Assemblyman's committee service includes membership on the Assembly Committees on Labor; Codes and Rules. Previous committee assignments include Ranking Minority Member on the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Committee and Ranking Minority Member on the Labor Committee; membership on the Correction, Governmental Employees, Racing and Wagering; and Codes Committees.
He was the recipient of the Federal Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award in October, 1992 for his work in conservation, which included sponsorship of bills on recycling and his successful efforts in keeping open through volunteer efforts the Pixley Falls State Park, Oriskany Battlefield and Baron Von Steuben Memorial after the New York State Parks Department cut them from their budget.
In 1995, Assemblyman Townsend was honored by the Metropolitan Police Conference as the 1995 Assemblyman of the Year.
David R. Townsend is the only New York State Assembly member since January 1, 1991 to have never missed a vote in the Assembly with over 18,000 votes cast.
The 115th Assembly District geographically encompasses parts of Oneida and Oswego Counties.
David R. Townsend, Jr., Rep. 31,766; Ind. 2,779; Con. 3,014; Wor. 521
