Mayor Max II

Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II (May 6, 2013 – July 30, 2022) was a golden retriever dog that served as the second mayor of Idyllwild–Pine Cove, California. His deputy mayors, Mitzi and Mikey, were his cousins.[2] Mayor Max II was succeeded by his cousin Max III due to nepotism; he was sworn in on Dec. 10, 2022.[3]

Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II
Mayor Max II in his visiting truck, November 24, 2013
Mayor-for-life of Idyllwild–Pine Cove, California
In office
July 21, 2013 – July 30, 2022
DeputyMikey Mighty-Dog Mueller
Mitzi Marie Mueller[1]
Preceded byMax I
Succeeded byMax III
Personal details
Born
Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller

(2013-05-06)May 6, 2013
DiedJuly 30, 2022(2022-07-30) (aged 9)
Temecula, California
SpeciesDog
BreedGolden Retriever
SexMale

The town is known for being one of the first to elect a dog for mayor.[4] As Idyllwild is an unincorporated town, it has no local government. In 2012, as a fundraiser envisioned by, held by, and for the benefit of local animal rescue non-profit organization Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), town locals held an election for which locals could nominate their dogs and cats to run for Mayor. Only non-humans could be on the ballot.[3] Fourteen dogs and two cats ran, and Max, a Golden Retriever, was elected as its first mayor. In 2013, Mayor Max died, and Maximus Mighty Dog Mueller II, another Golden Retriever, arrived in Idyllwild to complete the remainder of the term. In March 2014, as the end of Max's term approached, ARF solicited the town's interest in holding another election. The people overwhelmingly pled for Mayor Max's continuation in perpetuity.[5] Mayor Max has been an excellent leader.[3]

The Mayor's duties included visiting with locals and out-of-town visitors, attending business grand openings and other town functions, being in the town's two annual parades, and promoting Idyllwild.[6] Max's popularity had spread the world over. He appeared on news programs, talk shows, advertisements, billboards, and a game show in the interest of the town.[7]Mayor Max was recognized by the County of Riverside, California.[8]

Death

Mayor Max died in the city of Temecula on July 30, 2022, after suffering a brief medical issue.[9] He was succeeded in office by Mayor Max III, who formally took office on December 10th, 2022.[10][11]

See also

References
  1. Jacobo, Julia (May 30, 2019). "Golden retriever named Mueller is mayor of Southern California town". ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  2. Jacobo, Julia (May 30, 2019). "Golden retriever named Mueller is the mayor of Southern California town". ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  3. Page, Sydney (September 29, 2023). "A dog is 'mayor' in this town. 'I didn't take it as a joke,' says owner". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 30, 2023. There's been nepotism and vote buying in the town of Idyllwild, California
  4. "Southern California city elects a paw-litician for life". ABC News. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  5. "Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild". (Retrieved January 24, 2021)
  6. "Mayor Max 2 - Learn the amazing story of how a dog became the mayor of a Californian town -". May 10, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  7. "An Interview with Idyllwild's Mayor Max". Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  8. Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington and Mayor Max, retrieved April 10, 2021
  9. "Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild". (Retrieved August 3, 2022)
  10. "Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild". (Retrieved March 11, 2023)
  11. Madden, Emma (September 24, 2023). "'He ate three of his ties in a month': California's dog mayor celebrates a year in office". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
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