Vashon’s Unofficial Mayor race enters its final stretch this weekend, as candidates chase their last votes during the first two days of the Strawberry Festival.
The winner will be announced at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 15, on the Festival’s main stage at Vashon Village.
Most islanders know by now how the race works: now, through July 15, they can cast their votes — as many as they like, for $1 each — for their favorite candidates and their sponsoring nonprofits.
Each year, Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce partners with Chamber member non-profits to host the fundraiser, aimed at raising money for worthy island causes. Every dollar donated is considered a vote, and at the end of the campaign, the candidate with the most votes wins.
In recent years, the mayoral race has been increasingly dominated by four-legged candidates. This year, that rule still holds, boasting only a lone human being in the race — Eric Heffelfinger, a beloved jewelry artist, teacher and lifeguard who aims to represent Vashon’s thriving arts and culture scene, with his candidacy supporting Vashon Center for the Arts.
Here are this year’s candidates:
Templeton
A statement for Templeton, a pig, says that the candidate “stand with my brothers in farms to educate people near and far about the wants and needs of farm animals everywhere. We may not be your typical pets, but we want the same things: a belly full of hay and vegetables, a good back scratch, and a little bit of your time for companionship.”
Templeton is raising funds for Emerald City Pet Rescue, founded by Vivian Goldbloom in 2013. The organization rescues abused, neglected, and homeless animals nationwide, and owns and operates Ghost Owl Farm on Vashon.
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir, a tree, is running — an unusual thing for a tree to do — to serve as Mayor on behalf of Vashon Rotary.
Douglas’ statement is lofty: “This important tree species provides invaluable ecosystem services, including carbon uptake, and also provides habitat for numerous organisms,” the statement says. “Douglas-fir is extensive on Vashon Island and can be admired at many places locally. Douglas-fir seeks election as unofficial mayor to help support the community service efforts of Vashon Rotary Club and to encourage continued education regarding forest ecosystems and environmental sustainability.”
Vashon Rotary has served the community for nearly three and a half decades by supporting local organizations. Among its most well-known programs are scholarships for high school students, the Music Mends Minds program, and supported the efforts of Zero Waste Vashon.
Ed
Ed, a chainsaw sculpture running on behalf of Camp Burton, understands the power of camp.
“He is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of each person who steps onto the property,” the candidate’s statement says. “He has a deep understanding of the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all guests and campers, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. Ed values community, skill building, exploration, and holistic, personal development. A vote for Ed supports Camp Burton’s sacred space and impactful programs. “
Camp Burton’s mission is to provide opportunities to all people in which spiritual transformation and renewal may take place. Camp Burton offers space for education, retreat, and celebration as well as summer camp programming for all ages.
Maddie
Maddie, a Sheltie who already has a job as a certified therapy dog, is running on behalf of the Vashon Senior Center. In her role there, Maddie visits every Monday (with her person Mindy), offering her healing touch to island elders.
“Maddie has brought such joy,” said her spokespeople at the Center. “Her deep brown eyes shine with love and compassion. Vashon claims the #1 spot in King County average age – we are the land of ages 55 and older.”
The mission of the Vashon Senior Center is to enrich the lives of older adults on the island.
Bowie
Bowie, another loveable pup in the race, proudly calls Vashon HouseHold his home, according to his campaign statment.
”He loves his beautiful apartment and knows he is very fortunate to have safe, stable housing that his owner can afford. Bowie believes everyone deserves an affordable place to live. Do you agree? Then support Bowie today!”
Vashon HouseHold provides access to quality, affordable housing opportunities for low-income and moderate-income islanders in order to preserve and foster stability, and economic and cultural diversity of the community.
Jolene and Moose
How about an eight-legged mayor this year? Joelene, a baby longhorn, and Moose, a goofy guardian dog, are running as a duo on behalf of Old Goats Home. These two would-be mayors formed a relationship when Jolene went through a harrowing ordeal at a property on the island before finding a home at Old Goats Farm, with Moose by her side.
“Their love is beyond adorable, and they are a true testament to choosing your family,” says the candidates’ statement. “They play together, they eat together, and their love shows no boundaries.
The Old Goats Home & Rescue is a 100% volunteer-based sanctuary for neglected, abused, surrendered and unwanted animals from birth, to hospice care, to rainbow bridge.
Eric Heffelfinger
The lone human in the mayor’s race, Eric Heffelfinger, has worn a lot of hats in his work in the community. For 18 years, Eric stood behind the counter of his small business, Silverwood Gallery, treasuring the people and vibe of Vashon. At Vashon High School, he taught lifelong career skills to more than 300 kids, writing a letter of recognition for each. He also lifeguarded at the Park District’s pool, keeping all its users safe.
Eric, speaking for himself, asks for the islanders’ vote so he can bring his vast community experience and big heart to the position of Unofficial Mayor of Vashon, representing Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA).
VCA is a collaborative and community-based organization that provides quality arts experiences for all ages and opportunities for artists to perform and exhibit their work.
