Matt Damon believes his lifelong friend will be a "special judge" in the Hudson Valley.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Academy Award-winning screenwriter and actor Matt Damon is endorsing his life-long friend and college roommate, Clark Petschek, for Bedford Town Justice.

"I've known Clark Petschek for well, over 30 years since we were undergraduates together at Harvard. We were roommates there. So, I know Clark really well. He's one of the most exceptional people I've met in my life and I followed," Damon says in a video endorsing Petschek for Bedford Town Justice.

For all the news that the Hudson Valley is sharing make sure to follow Hudson Valley Post on Facebook, download the Hudson Valley Post Mobile App and sign up for the Hudson Valley Post Newsletter.

After Harvard, Clark went to the Army and found his way into the Special Forces where he led a team hunting war criminals in Eastern Europe, following the Bosnian War, where he brought people to justice at the international criminal court.

"It was really very dangerous, but this sense of justice in Clark is something that runs deep enough that he was willing quite literally to risk his life for it on numerous occasions," Damon said. "Clark wants to take some of this, hard-fought hard-won, wisdom from this incredible life, that he's led and bring it to the bench and become a judge."

Damon thinks Petschek's past experience will make him a great judge in Westchester County.

"He's just one of the most exceptional people I've ever known and it gives me a lot of pleasure and pride to wholeheartedly and unreservedly endorse him. He's a special guy and he's going to do a great job and be a special judge," Damon adds.

Petschek is running against Jodi Kimmel. Kimmel has gained public support from Westchester County Executive George Latimer and New York State Senator Shelley Mayer.

Keep Scrolling:

LOOK: The most famous actress born the same year as you

Many of the actresses in this story not only made a name for themselves through their collection of iconic performances, but also through the selfless, philanthropic nature with which many of them approached their stardom. In an age of flipping the script on societal norms, many of these actresses are using their voices and platforms to be advocates for those who are otherwise unheard.

LOOK: The Most Famous Actor Born Every Year

LOOK: Here Are the 25 Best Places to Live in New York State

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in New York using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

Hidden Treasure Worth Thousands Found in New York Home

40 Children Have Gone Missing From the Hudson Valley

Gun Violence Emergency Declared in New York, Lawmakers Respond

Gov. Cuomo declared the first-in-the-nation gun violence disaster emergency in New York.

World-Famous Celebrities Seen At Many Hudson Valley Businesses

Photos: Many Rescued From Submerged Vehicles in Hudson Valley

Some drivers in the Hudson Valley had to be saved from the roofs of their cars. 

KEEP LOOKING: See what 50 company logos looked like then and now

Gypsy Moth 'Accidentally' Released Causing 'Nightmares' in New York

After 10 to 15 years a gypsy moth that was once "accidentally" released has returned and is causing "nightmares" in New York. 

Cops Dismantle 'Local Criminal Enterprise' at Hudson Valley Deli

Six were arrested for allegedly selling drugs and more at a Hudson Valley deli.

Historic Hudson Valley Building Revived as New Business

A historic Hudson Valley building is getting a second life as a new business that will show off the beauty of the region. 

Then And Now: How Fast Food Restaurants in The Hudson Valley Have Changed

While many of your favorite Hudson Valley fast-food restaurants have remained in the same spot for decades, their buildings are almost unrecognizable from what they used to look like.

Fast Food Change

Mustang Pinned Under Tractor-Trailer Near I-84 in Hudson Valley

A Mustang crashed into a tractor-trailer near I-84 in the Hudson Valley. 

Photos: Truck Drives Into Building in Dutchess County

A truck drove into a building in Dutchess County, causing significant damage. 

The 20 Most Surprising Things Found at LEGOLAND New York in Goshen

LEGOLAND New York in Goshen is officially opening this summer. Right now special previews are going on so that guests can get a sneak peek at what's in store when the park opens its gates. While we won't spoil all of the surprises, here are just some of the incredible little details that await you during your first visit to this incredible theme park.

Legoland

More From Hudson Valley Post