Finally, a politician we can all agree on: the second NYC honorary dog mayor, Simon.
The Basset Cattle Dog, a very good boy, is ready to assist New Yorkers with two and four legs ahead of his new governmental undertaking, and we’re thrilled that he has been sworn into office. (If he’s inspiring you to add a furry friend to your family, we’re giving you a heads up that Queens’ first public animal shelter is officially up and running.)
“I am grateful, as is Simon, for the opportunity to use this platform for the next two years to promote animal fostering and adoption in New York City as well as to raise awareness and fundraising for all of the amazing organizations on the ground already doing this work,” his owner, writer Sophie Vershbow, said during the inauguration at City Hall.
But not unlike human politics, the lead-up to Simon’s swearing-in was a hectic election cycle, one in which overly anxious humans (not canines) were buying votes via crypto currency with hopes their pup of choice would rise in the ranks. Fortunately, the meaning behind the position is a lot less tainted. Inspired by the dog mayor election of Littleton, Colorado, New Yorker Stephen Calabria decided to bring this newfound tradition east in order to spread joy and “provide a unique opportunity for NYC community development; and to present politics and civics in a positive, educational, and compelling way.”
Simon, we are anxiously awaiting your legislation. In the meantime, you and your canine companions should visit Happy Tails, NYC’s new “theme park for dogs.”