With an early lead in the Honorary Mayor of Eastsound race, orca Granny seems to be swimming in votes and political correspondents are buzzing about her broad appeal.  Currently in third place, Bentley (Benster to friends) is nevertheless an optimistic pup who predicts the tides will soon turn in his favor.

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.  The race concludes at 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: 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.  He is particularly adept at giving high-fives and performing the hind-leg spin.

Candidate: Granny (Southern resident orca)

Sponsor:  Deer Harbor Charters

Manager: Alex Callen

Campaign Slogan:  “An Orca 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. At 104 this great-great- grandmother has a lot of wisdom to offer the community.