Cat Takes Office as Mayor of Small Michigan Village

Meet the newly elected mayor of Omena, Michigan.

Her name is Sweet Tart McKee and she is fabulous. But she's more than just her luscious, flowing calico coat: she's ready to make waves in the world of politics. Or should we say paw-litics? 

The official feline mayor will be aided by First Vice Mayor Diablo Shapiro the Dog, Second Vice Mayor Punkin Anderson-Harden the Dog, Press Secretary Harley Jones the Goat, and Special Assistant for Fowl Issues Penny Labriola the Chicken.

Sweet Tart ran a good campaign against her opponents, which included one other cat, 13 dogs, a peacock, a goat, and a chicken. Each mayoral candidate was interviewed by the Omena Historical Society on why they deserved to be mayor.

“I represent the best of Leelanau County with the Sweet and Tart cherries. I have had experience with governing/supervising my household," said the confident calico. "And having been Vice Mayor for 3 years, fulfilling all my expected duties, I know I could handle the Mayor position." 

The residents of Omena seemed to agree. The constituents paid $1 to take part in this special election, the proceeds of which went to the Omena Historical Society. The ballots were also open to animal lovers the world over who wanted to take part in the election and donate to the cause. In total, there were over 7,000 votes.

Sweet Tart will be aided by First Vice Mayor Diablo Shapiro the Dog, Second Vice Mayor Punkin Anderson-Harden the Dog, Press Secretary Harley Jones the Goat, and Special Assistant for Fowl Issues Penny Labriola the Chicken.

According to UPI, the little village of Omena has a decade-long tradition of voting in four-legged mayors. 

Sweet Tart isn't the first feline to be elected mayor. Mayor Stubbs, a stub-tailed ginger cat was the Honorary Mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, for over 20 years!