News

American record holding Channel swimmer, Peter Jurzynski, is helping a Folkestone election candidate win a seat on Shepway District Council in the May 5 poll.

Peter, who spends a lot of time in Folkestone and was a former Springfield city councillor in the US is back in politics - British style.

He spent many a summer in Folkestone training for his English Channel crossings. He’s made 20 attempts - the last was in 2010 - with 14 successes.

Peter, who lives in Naugatuck, Connecticut, US, is now turning his attentions on helping his good friend and former Folkestone Mayor John Stockham, campaign to regain a seat on the District Council's Harbour Ward.

Though not in England now, Jurzynski is using the Internet to make calls and emails on his friend’s behalf in the election.

“John is doing what I did in Springfield, going door to door and that will help,” Jurzynski said.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©