Candidates take to air and sea to spout message

Published 2:45 pm Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Three canines, one parrot and an orca are contending for Honorary Mayor of Eastsound this year.

Top dog, Lewis has taken an early lead in a race political analysts predict may be reduced to a simple dog fight. Still, Granny supporters disagree, promoting their view that only an orca can truly represent Orcas. And others insist Oliver is the 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.

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 Farmers’ Market or online via oich.org.  Each vote benefits the toddler and preschool children of Children’s House. The race concludes 2 p.m. on July 4.

Additional details on the candidates can be found at orcasislandmayor.wordpress.com.

Here’s an overview of two 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.”