The Race for Mayor Comes Down to the Wire

From Orcas Island Children’s House

What do a rooster, peacock, pygmy goat, bison and a biped have in common? They’re all running for Honorary Mayor of Eastsound.

The mayoral race is an annual fundraiser sponsored by and benefiting Children’s House, a childhood early-learning center supporting island families for more than 40 years. Voting is open to both islanders and visitors, who “buy” candidates into office placing as many votes as they want at area polling locations or online. Each vote benefits the toddler and preschool children of Children’s House.

Candidates officially hit the campaign trail Saturday, May 26 with an entry in the annual Pet Parade and wrap up July 7 when the winner is announced following the Fourth of July Parade.

Over the last several years, mayoral candidates — including dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, bunnies, and last year’s hugely successful write-in Bovine April (that’s Ms. Mayor to you) — helped raise more than $20,000 for the nonprofit.

This is the first time a biped has entered the race. “Children’s House doesn’t discriminate,” says Children’s House Executive Director, Susan Anderson. “But ‘The Biped’ will face stiff competition from a field of colorful candidates.”

Despite occasional mudslinging, head-butting and colorful posturing, the Honorary Mayor’s race is always good-natured and offers both the community and island visitors an opportunity to support an establishment committed to early childhood development.

The official slate:

• Rooster MoFo (Mo’ For Children’s House), sponsored by Darlene Talbot and The Village Stop
• Peacock Sir Clarence, sponsored by Hi Stickney and Penny Hawkes
• The Biped, sponsored by himself
• Bison Mr. Antiquus, sponsored by The Historical Museum
• Pygmy Goat Caprica, sponsored by Rick and Marlace Hughes
• Canine Murphy (write-in candidate), endorsed by Mayor Ex-Officio Clara

For additional details on the race or to vote, visit oich.org.