Rescue Cat Made History When She Was Elected Mayor. Now She’s Running For Re-Election

Sweet Tart, a Norwegian Forest Cat from Michigan, isn’t your average feline. This rescued cat is the mayor of Omena, a Michigan town with a history of electing animals into office.

But Sweet Tart — who beat dogs, cats, a chicken, a peacock, and a goat to become Omena’s first feline mayor in 2018 — didn’t always seem destined for greatness. Sweet Tart was just a kitten when she was found on a local trail. “She weighed a little over a pound and was a spitfire,” Sweet Tart’s owner, Kanda McKee, told the Leelanau Ticker.

Sweet Tart, the mayor of Omena, Michigan, is hoping voters will elect her to a second term. Photo: Kanda McKee

Sweet Tart remained a trailblazer throughout her time in office. The town’s first feline mayor became the first cat invited to the Northport Dog Parade, endorsed Omena Historical Society’s annual meeting agenda with a stamp of her paw print, and even led a parade through Omena on National Dog Day, demonstrating her bipartisan spirit. Sweet Tart even wore a face mask to help model Covid-19 safety.

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Now Sweet Tart is up for re-election, according to the Omena Historical Society, which hosts this tongue-in-cheek mayoral race/fundraiser every three years.

“Sweet Tart plans to put up a tough fight as she CLAWS her way back!” Omena Historical Society announced in a statement. But although she’s faithfully attended OHS meetings throughout her time in office (and even endorsed the annual meeting agenda with a stamp of her paw print), Sweet Tart’s reelection isn’t assured. That’s because Sweet Tart’s owner, Kanda, is recovering from knee surgery, limiting the cat’s options for campaigning.

Photo: Omena Historical Society

But even so, Sweet Tart still has a good shot at a second term, according to local polls, where voting is underway.

“She makes a “purrfect” candidate because she has the experience,” Kanda McKee told the Animal Rescue Site in an email. “She has been on the OHS Village Council and served as Vice Mayor before becoming Mayor in 2018. She is internationally known through her election coverage in England, China, Germany, Hungary to name a few. She has received cards and letters from fans. Her picture was published June 6 on the 2021 365-a-day Cat Calendar.”

Omena’s 2021 mayoral race includes a diverse field of feathered/four-legged candidates, including a goat, a chicken, and at least a dozen dogs. Whoever gets the most votes before virtual booths close on July 22, 2021, at 5 pm, will become Omena’s next mayor.

As in past years, voters are encouraged to “vote early and often” because this adorable contest is also a fundraiser for the Omena Historical Society. Plus, ballots are only $1 (with a $5 minimum). May the best animal win!

The post Rescue Cat Made History When She Was Elected Mayor. Now She’s Running For Re-Election appeared first on The Animal Rescue Site News.



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