Kosmas to face Partyka in 2010 primary

A former mayor of Winter Springs has launched his candidacy for congress, seeking to unseat Democratic District 24 incumbent Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach.

Paul Partyka announced his intentions before a packed house at a Winter Springs-Oviedo Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday.

Partyka, a Democrat, will challenge Kosmas in the party primary on August 24, 2010.

“My principal goals will be to create jobs and establish job retraining programs for unemployed workers. I believe this is the greatest nation on earth, we can, we should and we will provide access to affordable health care for every citizen,” he said.

Partyka, a Ukrainian-Bulgarian, immigrated from Germany with his family as displaced people through Ellis Island in 1952. He grew up in Philadelphia, learned English and became a naturalized citizen in 1962.

The University of Norte Dame graduate is a former boxer and wrestling champion who ran the Boston Marathon in 1996.

He has been a steel worker, teacher, insurance agent and sales manager before earning his license as a Florida commercial real estate broker in 1999.

Partyka was elected mayor of Winter Springs in 1996 and again in 1999.