[9] Two years later, then-Governor David Paterson appointed French to the board of trustees at Dutchess Community College for a six-year term.
[10] With the seat vacated by three-term incumbent John D. Adams, French entered the race for Beekman Town Supervisor in 2009.
[11][12] As supervisor, French was credited with balancing the budget without an increase to property taxes, and returning $383,000 to the town's rainy day fund.
[13] On April 7, 2011, French announced his candidacy for Dutchess County Executive, an open seat after 20-year incumbent William Steinhaus said he would not seek reelection.
A May 20 meeting of six members of the party's interim executive committee did not grant French an authorization, thereby refusing a primary for the nomination.