Grandview Heights names five finalists for first Dog Mayor

Grandview Heights residents can vote through Wednesday, Oct. 7, to pick the city's first-ever Dog Mayor from a field of five finalists.

D'artagnan (known as D'art), Hank, Kiki, River and Tater beat out 88 other nominees for a spot on the ballot, first reported by ABC6/WSYX. A committee of two representatives from The Wag, an indoor-outdoor dog park and bar, and three city representatives chose the five after reviewing 93 nominations submitted Sept. 8–16.

Only Grandview Heights dogs were eligible, and nominations had to come from owners 18 or older, according to the city's announcement.

Each candidate brings a platform tailored to the four-legged constituency. D'art, described as a lifelong Grandview Heights pup, is pushing for accessible sidewalks, more poop bags and an end to "no dogs on the furniture" policies. Hank wants to expand pup-friendly patios and make sure smaller dogs "get a fair shot at the biggest sticks." Kiki is running on a "Cheese Tax" for humans and more Milk-Bone stops around the city. River, billed as "a true pup of the people," promises daily whipped cream pup cups and weekly block parties. Tater, "a Grandview girl through and through," is prioritizing more biscuits, a longer dog swim season and pressure on "unlicensed squirrels."

The contest is a partnership between the City of Grandview Heights and The Wag.

"We were blown away to receive more than 90 nominations, and now we're excited to let our Grandview Heights friends have the final say," Casie Meyer, owner of The Wag, told ABC6.

Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. Oct. 7 and is limited to Grandview Heights residents. The winner will be announced and sworn in Friday, Oct. 9, at The Wag, 1330 Norton Ave. The new Dog Mayor's duties will include appearing at the city's dog-focused events throughout the year.

Upcoming community events: