Mayoral Candidates Take to Air and Sea to Spout their Message

— from Susan Anderson —

Three canines, one parrot and an orca are contending for Honorary Mayor of Eastsound this year. Canine Lewis is running off leash with an early lead, but orca Granny is literally swimming in votes and political correspondents are buzzing about her broad appeal. Promising transparency in office, this great-great grandmother of the sea says she’ll never “breach” the community’s trust.

Still, analysts predict the race may be reduced to a simple dog fight between Lewis, Sully and Bentley. Granny supporters disagree, promoting their view that only an orca can truly represent Orcas. Currently in third place, Bentley (aka Benster to friends) is nevertheless an optimistic pup who predicts the tides will soon turn in his favor. Noted for his youthful exuberance and boutique waters, voters easily recognize him by his signature bow tie.

Others say Oliver is one to watch. “He’s cagey,” observed one voter. But Oliver contends he’s the genuine article and isn’t just parroting the party line when he squawks his environmental platform. “I AM green. I truly care about the environment.”

Currently in last place is Sullie, who has the support of one of the largest PACS (People About Campaigning for Sullie) and clearly has a lead in the K-12 voter. Expect this candidate to sneak up from behind.

The mayoral race is an annual fundraiser sponsored by and benefiting Children’s House. Voting is open to both islanders and visitors, who “buy” candidates into office by placing as many votes as they want at area polling locations, the Farmer’s Market or online via oich.org. Each vote benefits the toddler and preschool children of Children’s House. The race concludes 2 PM, July 4.

Vote, follow the election and download the Voter’s Guide via oich.org. Additional details on the candidates can be found at orcasislandmayor.wordpress.com.

Here’s an overview of the five candidates.

Candidate: Lewis (Old English Sheepdog/Great Pyrenees)
Sponsor: Ray’s Pharmacy
Owner/Manager: Janice Williams and Greg Sawyer
Campaign Slogan: “Leave your mark on the world with Lewis”
Top Issues: Trails, Transportation and Housing. “From my early days as a stray, I know what it’s like not to have a place of one’s own. A warm and cozy home – be it temporary for visitors or permanent for residents – is my top priority.”
Dog Scoop: Born with a wanderlust and zest for life, the candidate couldn’t stay put and eventually landed in a homeless shelter. Once adopted, Lewis learned to balance exploration with home life and now promotes more trails and public transportation to ensure our island’s beauty is accessible to all.
Unique Qualities: Community watch dog. “Influenced by my heritage, flock oversight is truly in my blood. And at 115 lbs., I can keep watch with greater range.”

Candidate: Oliver (Caique Parrot)
Sponsor: Nest
Manager: Jody Fox
Campaign Slogan: Think Green. Be Green.
Top Issues: Land preservation, restoration and wildfire prevention.
Parrot Scoop: Hatched in America over 20 years ago, Oliver says he appreciates Orcas for its natural beauty and wants to protect it. He understands its value to the entire community – including people, birds and all wildlife. Amazingly intelligent, sensitive and understanding, his dedication to natural spaces prompted him to enter the race this year. “People have wondered why I waited so long to run for mayor.” His best friend is a bird dog, Gracie, a black Labrador retriever.
Unique Qualities: Most colorful candidate. “My beautiful colors match the color palate of your living room.”

Candidate: Bentley (Cocker Spaniel mix)
Sponsor: Orcas Arts and Gifts
Owner/Manager: Raymond Harvey, Courtney Ray
Campaign Slogan: “Pawsitively the Best”
Top Issues: Reducing mud in the dog park and increasing restaurant seating for canines. (“Cars are too toasty in the summer and staying home is boring.”)
Dog Scoop: Bentley is a natural sports dog noting hunting, fishing, bird-watching and tennis as a few of his favorite pastimes. One of his top issues is adding sand to the local dog park to reduce the winter muddiness and keep all his buddies cleaner. “I think all of us critters wouldn’t mind feeling that between our toes.” He is particularly adept at giving high-fives and performing the hind-leg spin. Follow Bentley for Mayor on Facebook.
Unique Qualities: Affectionate. “When you need a hug, I’m just a bark away.”

Candidate: Granny (Southern Resident Orca)
Sponsor: Deer Harbor Charters
Manager: Alex Callen
Campaign Slogan: “An Orcas for Orcas Island.”
Top Issues: Family and fishing.
Orcas Scoop: Looking to make a splash in public office, Granny’s got a killer campaign. Increasing salmon populations and decreasing toxins in the water for health of the ecosystems of our bioregion are her priorities. Her strength originates from a strong society and culture of cooperation and collaboration. Granny reaches a flipper across the water/air divide to embrace all in the Salish Sea. Follow Granny4Mayor on Facebook.
Unique Qualities: Largest brain, most experience. At 104 this great-great grandmother has a lot of wisdom to offer the community.

Candidate: Sullie (Corgi/Heeler)
Sponsor: The Lower Tavern
Manager: Hailey Crowe
Campaign Slogan: “Quality Education for EVERY Student”
Affiliated PACS (People About Campaigning for Sullie) Financial support for Sullie’s campaign is truly home-grown. Her support for Children’s House resonates with the local business.
Orcas Scoop: Sullie supports experienced educators and smaller class sizes. Follow SullieForMayor on Facebook and Twitter @Sullie4Mayor.
Unique Qualities: Service training. Sullie has been trained as a Service Dog and is currently in training to become a certified Therapy Dog.