Last-minute electioneering heats up Mayoral Campaign

Hannah Gilliland, and Audrey Creevey, in the foreground, offering lemonade in exchange for votes for Dakota. They are assisted in the background by James Poulson, Margo Gilliland, Jack Poulson and Abby Weeks.

The election for the Mayor of Eastsound (“We’re all animals here!”) will conclude this weekend. At $1 a vote, Mikey, the Golden Retriever  sponsored by Office Cupboard remains in the lead with 1349 votes. Darwin, sponsored by Driftwood Nursery, shows the town’s affection for its Golden Retrievers, as he follows Mikey’s lead with 1154 votes.

Next in the line-up is April, the sole bovine candidate, sponsored by Smith and Speed Mercantile, with 1104 ballots cast.

Dakota, the gentle giant at Aesthetica, has earned 973 votes. Egitha, the fowl whose campaign manager is  Children’s House Board President Dale Heisinger, remains in last place, with 710 votes. She is sponsored by Windermere.

This is the last week of the mayoral campaign which will end at the Farmer’s Market, after the parade on July 4th. To vote online, go to www.oich.org.

Ballot boxes will be picked up from retailers by 4 p.m.  on July 3rd.  Pay-Pal votes will be terminated by 12 p.m. on July 4th, however, votes will be collected at the Farmer’s Market until 2 p.m. on July 4th.

All votes will be tabulated and the winner will be announced at the Farmer’s Market by 3 p.m. on the 4th.

Heisinger commented on the race, “I think there will be  increases in all candidates as Saturday approaches.

“The fundraiser has been a wonderful success.  Going in, we had no idea how much would be generated and although we may not reach our goal of $10,000, we’re very thankful for what has been raised so far.

“And just as important, the ‘campaign’ has generated laughs, competition, and  much community discourse….it has been fun for everyone involved.

“Thank you for your support and we hope to see you on the Village Green on Saturday. “