Calling all candidates: Natchez Pet Mayor registration is still open – Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper

NATCHEZ – A dashing and debonaire poodle, the affable weather-forecasting black Lab and even a horse well-versed in the history of Natchez are among the early candidates for the first Pet Mayor of Natchez.

The Natchez Pet Mayor Election is a fun and pawsitively unique community fundraiser which aims to support the revitalization of downtown Natchez while promoting small businesses and local animal welfare organizations. The Natchez Pet Mayor Election is open to all cats, dogs, and other pets whose owners live in Natchez or nearby areas.

The new Natchez Pet Mayor Election is the only fundraiser for the Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) in its mission of preservation-based downtown revitalization.  A portion of the election proceeds will be shared with the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, HoofBeats and PawPrints Rescue, and Spay/Neuter Natchez. DNA is a nationally accredited Main Street program and a 501(c)(3)

And while Dart, Mary Frances and Hal, respectively, are three of the first seven candidates to toss their hats into the ring, registration is open until Friday, March 28.

Pets of all kinds whose owners live in Natchez or nearby areas are welcome to register.  Registration can be completed online for a $25 entry fee or by visiting the main website, natchezpetmayor.com.

Pet owners are welcome to set up a Campaign Headquarters, either at home or at a local business, and an optional $200 campaign kit is available to help promote the candidates.

Voting takes place April 1 through April 26, and votes can be case online or in person at campaign headquarters. Each vote costs $5 and all proceeds will benefit Downtown Natchez Alliance, the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, HoofBeats and PawPrints Rescue and Spay/Neuter Natchez.

Candidates are invited to appear for speeches and a final rally at the Natchez Adams County Humane Society’s Poocha Palooza Event on the Bluff on the last day of voting, April 26.  A collaring ceremony will take place on May 10 on the steps of City Hall, where the following officials will take office:

·      1st Place will be the “Natchez Pet Mayor”.

·      2nd Place will be the “Chief of PAWlice”

·      3rd Place will be the “Fur Chief”

·      4th through 9th Places will become Board of PAWldermen.

Candidates entered to date include:

• Dart – a standard poodle. This is Dart’s first foray into politics. His top issue is spay and neuter for his feral friend. Campaign Manager: John Grady Burns, Headquarters is NEST.
• Hal of Southern Carriage Tours – a horse who has been making the rounds in Downtown Natchez for over a decade. Campaign Manager: Guy Tuccio. Campaign Headquarters: The Corner Bar, sponsored by Levi & Grace Construction
• Mary Frances – a black lab, currently serving as a local weather dog and the queen of Main Street. Campaign manager: Darby Short. Campaign headquarters: Darby’s shops on Main.
•  Poppy – an Australian shepherd is already the unofficial Mayor of Under the Hill, seeking to expand her influence. Campaign Manager: Gail Guido. Campaign Headquarters: Silver Street Gifts Unlimited.
•  Charles Kelley – a cat, who is also a newshound, known for his curiosity and discretion.  Campaign Manager: Jan Griffey. Campaign Headquarters: The Natchez Democrat.
• Jim – a friendly neighborly kind of cat who knows how to roll with the punches. Campaign Manager: Betty Jo Harris.
•  Louie–- a dog who is also a Bed & Breakfast host. Skilled in the art of hospitality. Campaign Manager: Elizabeth Greer, Beaumont House.
• Clover – a long-term resident at Hoofbeats and Paw Prints. Clover has been a resident at the shelter since July 2023. Campaign Manager: Lauren Richard. Campaign Headquarters: Concordia Bank & Trust.

Sponsors of the event include Taco Bell, Leader of the Pack; Concordia Bank & Trust Company and United Mississippi Bank, Top Dog Sponsors; and The Natchez Democrat, Fat Cat Sponsor.