STARKVILLE — In the first election of its kind for the state, Starkville has selected Buster Camp as the new Pet Mayor.
Paige Watson, director of Main Street for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and coordinator for the election, announced the results of the election following the Collaring Ceremony on Tuesday afternoon. She said Buster won in a “landslide victory,” and told The Dispatch he received more than 250 votes out of the 1,146 votes cast.
“We are just overwhelmed with the amount of support from the community, both in voting and supporting our pets,” Paige Watson said. “We were very pleasantly surprised with how many people got behind this.”
Buster, a 13-year-old French Bulldog, is owned by Robert Camp, the son of the late Dan Camp, Starkville’s former mayor from 2005 to 2009. While Robert Camp was not present for Buster’s victory address, his campaign manager Hank Watson accepted the honor on Buster’s behalf.
“There were so many great pets in this, and Buster was honored to be chosen,” Hank Watson said, following the ceremony. “He promises to represent Starkville well. He’s definitely been an ambassador for the Cotton District for many years and he looks forward to expanding that job.”
Human Mayor Lynn Spruill presented the title to Buster at the ceremony. She said she is excited to share the title of mayor with Buster, as she has been personal friends with the pup for many years.
“I have known Buster since he was a puppy,” Spruill said. “He has sat in my lap many many times in the Cotton District through many years. He is a sweet child and I am delighted to be able to share my title with him.”
The new Pet Mayor will be the Grand Marshal for the Pet Parade at the Cotton District Arts Festival on Saturday morning.
Other election results
While Buster slid into the seat of Pet Mayor, 18-year-old cat Sami received the title of Fur Chief. Owner Claire Allen accepted on Sami’s behalf, quoting the cat’s campaign slogan “Senior Pets Deserve Love.”
“My whole goal with adopting her was to give her the best life that I can, since she’s obviously a senior,” Allen told The Dispatch. “… A lot of people just want a kitten or a puppy, but older pets deserve love, too. So I thought it was a good idea to raise money for a good cause and bring awareness to a good cause.”
Natty, a 2-year-old English bulldog, also moved into the role of Chief of Pawlice. Owner Ed Smith accepted on Natty’s behalf, saying she will be a very “strong willed” Chief of Pawlice and she enjoyed campaigning through flyers, social media and door to door.
“She was born the year (Mississippi State University’s baseball team) won the National Championship,” Smith said. “… Our campaign slogan was ‘it’s time for Starkville to have another Natty.’”
Runners-up in the election who raised more than $250 were also included in the Board of Pawldermen. Pets selected included dogs Rolo, Dexter, Itty Bitty, Jojo and Wren.
“I think they are well qualified,” Spruill said. “I don’t expect any bickering or infighting.”
Paige Watson said the pets elected will serve for the next two years until another election can be held in 2025.
Fundraising
While the election generated a new slate of furry political leaders, Paige Watson said it also raised funds for the Main Street Association’s pet-friendly initiatives and the Oktibbeha County Humane Society through sponsorships, along with paid nominations and voting.
During the collaring ceremony, a $3,000 donation check was presented to the humane society.
“It was definitely a win-win, and you don’t get to say that a lot of times in politics,” Paige Watson said.
Ryan Handran, board member for the humane society, said the money will be going toward the society’s general fund. He called the election a “good reminder” of the humane society’s mission, and he thanked the Partnership, along with sponsors, voters and “esteemed pet politicians” for their participation in the race.
“We look forward to working with our Pet Mayor, Buster … and the Board of Pawldermen and them supporting animal friendly legislation in our area,” Handran said. “With over 6,000 animals coming through our shelter every year, we’re grateful for every bit of donation that we get.”
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