Nominations for Grandview Heights' first-ever Dog Mayor closed Wednesday, Sept. 16, setting the stage for a public vote later this month.
The contest is a partnership between the City of Grandview Heights and The Wag, an indoor and outdoor dog park and bar. Nominations opened Tuesday, Sept. 8, and a five-member selection committee will now choose five finalists from the pool, according to the city's website.
That committee includes two representatives from The Wag and three city representatives.
Casey Meyer, owner of The Wag, told ABC6 on Sept. 10 that the idea grew out of wanting to bring the community together. "We've gotten quite a few signups already, which is super exciting," Meyer said.
The five finalists will advance to a public vote running from Sept. 23 through Oct. 7. The city has not announced exactly when between the nomination deadline and the start of voting the finalists will be named.
To qualify, dogs had to live in Grandview Heights. Owners needed to be at least 18 years old and were required to submit a photo of their dog, explain why the pup deserves the job and lay out an official campaign platform.
Finalists must be available to participate in campaign content ahead of the vote. The winner will be announced and sworn in at The Wag on Friday, Oct. 9.
The new Dog Mayor won't just collect a title. The canine officeholder will attend the city's dog-focused events throughout the year, according to ABC6.
The Wag promoted the contest on Instagram, announcing that Grandview Heights was getting "a new mayor… and this one has paws." The city also posted about the race on its official X account on Sept. 14.
What's ahead
- Sept. 23: Public vote opens for the five finalists
- Oct. 7: Public vote closes
- Oct. 9: Winner sworn in at The Wag
