On the mayoral campaign trail, the canine candidates have been calling into question the fitness of Sir Isaac Newt’n to be mayor, insisting he’s too “thin skinned” to sustain the rigors of public office. The newt, however, isn’t biting.
“Canines n #OrcasMayorRace are newtphobic clear and simple!” tweeted Newt’n. “Not only am I currently fit, I am the only candidate who can regenerate limbs while in office!” Behind in the popular vote, the newt has a strong following with environmentalists who give him the best opportunity for an upset.
Elsewhere on the campaign trail, the preschooler demographic – best known voting on gut instinct – is solidly behind Ollie, the Bichon Frise/Zhitshu. “I like his face,” said one four-year-old intuitively. In another highly respected poll, Ollie also rated high with the assisted living crowd. Analysts believe if these two constituencies can get to the polls, Ollie has a chance of stealing the show from current leader, Khaleesi strongly chased by Lewis.
Madrona, meanwhile, has been racking up some notable endorsements, including one by Kt Hendrie, president of the Orcas Animal Protection Society, issuing this official press release: “Moe is an extraordinary canine citizen.” Known for donating her time socializing shelter dogs waiting to find permanent homes, Moe is also completing her certification to be a therapy dog. “She is one of the most generous and hard-working dogs on the island,” claims Hendrie.
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 p.m., July 2.
Vote, follow the election and download the Voter’s Guide at www.oich.org.
Here’s an overview of the three remaining candidates:
Candidate: Madrona “Moe” (Labradoodle)
Sponsor: Brown Bear Baking
Owner/Manager: Judy Worley
Favorite Restaurant: Madrona Bar & Grill
Dog Scoop: Born a Lopezian, Moe immigrated to Orcas when she was eight weeks old. She prefers the company of children to adults and highlights several top issues, including establishing a new dog park, mediation classes for dogs and cats and a Dog Information Center for visiting canines to learn about the best places for squirrel chasing, dog treats or doggy play dates.
Unique Qualities: A natural athlete, Moe is fast on her feet and a discerning wrestler with dogs of any size.
Follow her: (to the bakery) and on Facebook
Candidate: Sir Isaac Newt’n (Newt)
Sponsor: Rosario Resort and Friends of Moran State
Manager: Jackie Daigle and Sandi Talt
Slogan: May the Forces and the Forests Be With You!
Dog Scoop: Slick, sharp-tongued and small, Newts have been around the block a few million times. Sir Isaac knows a thing or two about environmental issues. He educates people about the nuances of Newts from his classroom in the Newtarium at the Summit Learning Center on Mt. Constitution.
Unique Qualities: Regenerative limbs, eyes, spinal cords, hearts, intestines and upper and lower jaws.
Follow him: (to the Summit) and on Facebook
Candidate: Ollie (Bichon Frise and Zhitshu)
Sponsor: Islander’s Bank
Owner/Manager: Grant and Daphne Tyree
Shoe-in with: The senior-age demographic. Ollie lives in an elder care facility with an expanded loving family, ages 4 to 103.
The Scoop: Ollie is originally from Olympia. A true giver with a big heart, he strives to make Orcas a special place to live and raise children and animals – a place where everyone feels welcome.
Top Issues: Establishing a safe, healthy and affordable home for all families.
Tidbit: Two siblings in Ollie’s family attended Children’s House, where he says, there’s “awesome teachers and fun.”
Follow him: Anywhere there are preschoolers gathered!
