News

A perennial mayoral candidate known for his tireless door-to-door campaigns is putting away his walking shoes and changing into his swimming trunks.

Peter Jurzynski will not be campaigning on the doorsteps of his Naugatuck hometown in the US this year.

The 57-year-old Democrat who many believe has cost the Democrats the past three elections announced on Monday (2 February) he will take a rest this year but has vowed to be back on the political scene one day.

"In the future, it is a possibility that I will run for something, maybe for mayor," he said. "I'm still interested in the mayor's seat, and I have plenty of good years ahead of me."

Jurzynski, who had heart surgery last year, said he wants to focus on his other passion.

Peter, who spends much of the summer in Hawkinge and Folkestone is the American record holder for most successful swims across the English Channel with 14.

He said he hopes to complete the gruelling swim to prove once again to inspire people with heart complications or other health problems.