Residents of Vermont Town Elect Dog to Mayor’s Office
One day after he was elected, the new mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont is already in the dog house. Literally.
The winner of Tuesday’s mayoral election in the town was Murfee, a 3-year-old therapy dog. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel earned 146 votes, which was 25 more than the incumbent, a 3-year-old goat named Lincoln, according to town officials. Sammy, a 6-year-old Fair Haven Police Department K-9, finished third with 117 votes.
The unusual election was part of a New Haven tradition that began four years ago when the town council decided to use the position to raise funds for new playground equipment. Residents can enter their pets in the annual race for $5 each. “At a time when politics can be contentious, the mayoral race in Fair Haven brings the community together for a common cause,” says town manager Joe Gunter. “It’s also a great way to teach our kids about civics and how important it is to vote in our local elections.”
Does this mean towns can get by without human mayors?
