New London - Michael Buscetto III, a former city councilor who ran for mayor as a "New London guy," is putting his Pequot Avenue home up for sale and moving to Waterford.

"It's definitely a tough decision, but it's the right one for my family,'' Buscetto said Friday. "I'll always be a New London guy."

Buscetto said his wife's family has offered him land in Waterford to build a house.

"It's an opportunity,'' he said, but added that he is also looking at possibly buying a home in Waterford. "I have a lot of options."

He hopes to be relocated by August so his children can begin the school year in their new schools. His oldest, who will be a senior, will continue to attend St. Bernard High School. His middle child will begin her freshman year at Waterford High School, and his son will enter seventh grade at Clark Lane Middle School.

When Buscetto burst into the political arena in New London in 2007, he was seen as the new face of city's Democratic party. He was young and energetic with a straightforward approach.

But he soon became entangled in several controversial events and was barely elected to a second term.

He ran for mayor last year as a write-in candidate after losing the Democratic primary, and came in second.

Buscetto said he has no interest in getting back into politics in New London or Waterford.

"I definitely have mixed emotions (about moving),'' he said. "But it's not a sad moment.''

Many people originally from New London now live in Waterford and the community there has embraced him and his family, he said.

"New London is moving in a different direction,'' he said. "Honestly, the people of New London have been incredibly supportive of everything we've ever done. I'll always feel welcome here. My family still owns property here. … We feel no matter where we live, our friends are our friends."

k.edgecomb@theday.com