Justin Sweet Supporters Come Out Despite the Storm

There was a severe thunderstorm watch yesterday night and the winds and rain proved it. However, that didn't keep loyal supporters from coming out to support Justin Sweet.

"The weather shouldn't deter you from your passion and support for people," said Louis Falco, who is running for .

"I thank everyone for coming out despite the weather," Sweet said.

Sweet formally announced his candidacy for Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office Thursday evening at a dinner reception and fundraiser at La Triestina Ristorante in Congers.

"I'm very excited that Justin is running for Town Clerk," said Bob Milone, who is running for the 11th district for the County Legislature. "I think he's done a great job so far."

Sweet was appointed unanimously by the Clarkstown Town Board to fill the unexpired term of former Town Clerk David Carlucci after a formal interview process.

"David really set the bar high. Justing is more than up for the task,"  said Kristen Stavisky, Rockland County Democratic Chairwoman. "He's out there talking to people, working to make the office more accessible. I'm proud to be here and proud of him."

"He's doing great in bringing about efficiency and I am confident that he will continue to work to save taxpayer dollars," said Carlucci.

Since taking office in January, Sweet has

• Expanded the mobile office service to provide more convenient access to residents of the Town of Clarkstown
• Applied for a State Archives and Records Administration Grant
• Brought the Town’s legal postings online
• Undertaken a dog licensing drive throughout the Town. 

"We managed to accomplish many initiatives this year. My three main goals are accessibility, efficiency and experience," said Sweet. "They're not just words. They represent actions that will produce tangible results for the town residents."

All of the services and initiatives formally offered by this office have been continued, even though the office has reduced a full time position and the Town Clerk’s salary was reduced by $54,000.

"Justin is reaching this bar (set by David Carlucci) with his staff cut and his salary cut. He's doing more with less," said Nicole Doliner, chair of the Clarkstown Democratic Committee.

“I take pride in the fact that we have been able to reduce expenses on behalf of the Town’s taxpayers and still continue all of the services people expect from our office," said Sweet. "I will continue to innovate and make the office more accessible and useful for the Town’s residents.  The taxpayers have asked government to do more with less in these tough economic times. In my first five months in office I have done exactly that.”