— from Susan Anderson —

Mayor JackGolden Retriever Jack, owned by Roger and Jill Curtiss of the Jillery, beat out four other contestants, and garnered more than 35 percent of the total vote in the Honorary Mayor of Eastsound race.  Running as the “Blind Visionary,” Jack took the lead early and despite a late run by Missy, held on to finish the race strongly.  Feline Luna clawed her way up the polls to secure Second Place, followed closely by canines Missy, Phoebe and Morgan.

The mayoral race is an annual fundraiser sponsored by and benefiting Orcas Island Children’s House. Over the 6-week campaign, local and visiting voters “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.  This year, through accumulated votes,  the candidates raised more than $7,500 for the nonprofit toddler and preschool program; a private donor contributed another $500 to help Children’s House reach its $8,000 fundraising goal.

For more pictures of the 2014 election, visit www.oich.org.