Justin Sweet, a lifelong Clarkstown resident and town clerk, has entered the race to become the next town supervisor.

The Democrat kicked off his campaign in front of Clarkstown Town Hall surrounded by supporters – as well as Rockland County’s district attorney, town clerk, sheriff and Republican Town Board member Frank Borelli.

With more than six months until Election Day, Sweet told News 12 that he is focused on keeping the town safe as well as addressing fiscal responsibility.

"This is something that has to be a dialogue between me and the residents,” he said. “I don't want to sit upstairs and be a big shot. I want to be down here like I have been for the last 12 years, talking face to face with people, solving their problems – big or small."

Sweet’s announcement comes less than a week after a state Supreme Court judge's ruling on town term limits that effectively blocked current Supervisor George Hoehmann from seeking another term this election.

Hoehmann told News 12 that he was "disappointed in the ruling and will have an announcement in the coming days on the matter."

Sweet says term limits are a good thing.

“I'm glad the judge made what I believe is the correct decision,” he said.

News 12 reached out to the Rockland Republican Party for comment and has not yet heard back.