The island’s annual Unofficial Mayor Race is on, pitting candidates representing local nonprofits against each other to compete for the most votes, each worth $1. In the end, the candidate who receives the most votes is elected as Vashon’s unofficial mayor for the next year.
This year, five candidates are vying for the coveted Unofficial Mayor title, which, as in previous years, attracts candidates from all walks of life.
Lucky Ducky for Vashon Maury Community Food Bank
I was born during the COVID-19 pandemic and was fortunate to be adopted into a loving family. Now I’m living the dream as a Vashonite—clean water and air, fresh local fruits and veggies, safe places to walk and swim, and friendly folks all around. I know I’m Lucky! That’s why I’m running for Unofficial Mayor. Too many folks have experienced devastating loss- family and friends, jobs and income. The pandemic caused a huge spike in food insecurity, but the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank, with support from so many of you, refused to let our neighbors go hungry. We still have a long road ahead to build back. But I know together we can cancel hunger, and stay Vashon Strong. #LuckyDuckyforUnofficialMayor
Penny for The Old Goats Home & Rescue
Penny the littlest goat of all is a ray of sunshine in our day. She is the reminder of our “why:” Why we rescue farm animals (currently 93 animals saved this year already), why we set them up for a life of thriving from their pasts, from their fears, from their different levels of PTSD and injuries. We at The Old Goats Home & Rescue strive to have every single one of the rescues in our care live their best life, from baby goats to the elderly, assisted living, and hospice care with a 5-star health plan and the enrichment each individual craves. We believe everybody deserves a chance. Everybody deserves to feel loved, and everybody deserves a forever home.
Kim Roeser for VIGA – Vashon Island Growers Association
Kim Roeser is the VIGA Farmers Market Manager. Her goal has been to safely reopen the Farmers Market, provide marketing, advertising and awareness of the many changes and challenges VIGA has faced in reopening the market this season after having to postpone in 2020. She exemplifies VIGA’s mission to promote growth, farming, and food production on Vashon Maury Island while working to build a local agricultural economy that is equitable, accessible, and sustainable. Working alongside VIGA’s programs- Food Access Partnership, CRAFT, Get Growing, Production Committee and the Farmers Market to provide access to locally grown food and produced products.
The Marshall Strawberry for Mukai Farm & Garden
Mukai Farm & Gardens was founded by Issei pioneer B.D. Mukai in 1926 as a strawberry farm. Today, the property is on the National Register of Historic places with its rare heritage home, Japanese Garden, and Barreling Plant. Open and free to the public, it celebrates Vashon Island’s Japanese American and agrarian heritage. Friends of Mukai — the island non-profit that manages the farm and garden — is dedicated to the preservation of the complex and works to ensure that this island gem is remembered for its history, its importance in island agriculture, its unique garden in the Japanese tradition and social justice themes that continue to be important today.
Charlie for Vashon HouseHold
Charlie is a four-year-old Doxie Pin rescue pup and the newest resident of Vashon HouseHold’s Sunflower community land trust! In the face of sky-rocketing home costs and high-priced rentals, affordable housing enables teachers, tradespeople, business owners, artists, seniors, and others to remain in the community and preserve the character of Vashon. VHH and Charlie agree that everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to live. Vote Charlie for mayor, and housing for all!
Winners will be announced at 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Festival Main Stage (IGA parking lot).
“This is one place where buying a vote does good — by supporting our local non-profits,” said Steven Brewer, the Chamber’s marketing director and lead for the Mayoral Race.
See posters for QR codes for voting, or give personally to your favorite candidates.
