Madison residents asked to nominate candidates for city’s first “Pup Mayor”
Residents will be able to vote for their favorite canine in Oct.
MADISON – They are often called “man’s best friend” for good reason. As pets, dogs offer unconditional love and support, serving as loyal companions and protectors. Personal service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to aid a person with a physical or sensory disability. In places such as Madison City Schools campuses and even the Huntsville International Airport, working canines are on staff improving mental and physical health while providing emotional comfort.
Now thanks to a new organization in Madison, residents will get a chance to honor this loyal companion by selecting one lucky canine as the city’s first “Pup Mayor”.
The fun election process to name the city’s first canine “unofficial” official, is being led by Main Street Madison. Kicked off in July, the organization connects the city of Madison, particularly its historic downtown, to the greater Main Street network in Alabama and across the nation, which has been helping strengthen and re-energize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts for more than 45 years.
Although it is connected to the state and national program, each Main Street organization takes on a localized approach, driven by local business owners, community leaders and volunteers — and dependent on local funding from generous partners and supporters, along with creative fundraisers.
When deciding on the first fundraising effort for the new organization Main Street Madison’s new executive director landed on an idea that she hopes will spark a sense of excitement right out of the gate.
“We are excited to have this Pup Mayor election as a fun way for our community to come together, celebrate our pets, enjoy our downtown and get excited about the continued revitalization of our downtown,” said Jen DeLessio.
For this fundraiser, anyone in Madison can register their dog to run for mayor by paying a $25 entry fee. Registration is open through the Main Street Madison website, www.mainstreetmadison.org. It closes on Sept. 28.
The election fun can be followed on social media through Main Street Madison’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Each pup candidate will be featured along with information on how to cast a vote for your favorite pup.
DeLessio said the idea came from Main Street members, Brenda and Roderick Matthews, who are owners of the Bellehouse Event Center in downtown Madison. They heard of Starkville Mississippi’s “Pet Mayor” election, and the excitement it brings to that city. According to Paige Watson, director for Main Street in Starkville, the pet election has helped to build camaraderie and community spirit for their city — a common goal of Main Street Madison.
The funds raised will be used for the Pup Mayor events and support beautification and historic preservation initiatives in the downtown area.
Voting for the Pup Mayor will take place during Oct. with weekly updates on Main Street Madison’s social media platforms. Each vote costs $1 and there is no limit to the number of votes. “You will also be able to cast votes downtown, just look for QR codes to easily cast votes using your phone,” DeLessio said. “There will also be ‘I voted for Pup Mayor’ stickers available for $1.”
Details are being worked out for the mid-term “Pup Rally” in downtown Madison, held in mid-Oct.’, DeLessio added. In early Nov. there will be a special election and inauguration night “Paw-ty” with a fun pet parade and food trucks.
The Pup Mayor will have important duties throughout the year like appearances at Main Street Madison events, ribbon cuttings and meet-and-greets. “We hope this will be a fun annual event for the community to celebrate our beloved pets and our beautiful downtown,” DeLessio said.
Sponsorships for the Madison Pup Mayor are available. Contact Jen DeLessio at 256-203-6340 or jen.delessio@mainstreetmadison.org for more information.
Madison joined the Main Street network this summer after several public meetings that gauged public and business owner interest.
The nonprofit organization encourages public-private partnerships with broad community engagement and strategies to increase jobs, spark new investment, attract visitors and spur growth. The organization focuses on economic development, revitalization and historic preservation of downtown areas. Through branding, event planning, training, education, and access to various resources for local business owners, the program aims to encourage a place that has a thriving local economy, distinctive and rich in character, and features welcoming spaces and diverse businesses for residents and visitors alike.
Last year, Madison’s city and business leaders expressed a strong desire to apply for the program, which was granted earlier this year after Madison Mayor Paul Finley traveled to Birmingham to make a compelling presentation before the selection committee. “The application is meant to have a district take a good look at themselves and consider vacancies, historic properties, and the current economy in their program, district and surrounding region,” explained Main Street Alabama President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth. “Main Street Alabama’s rigorous selection process assures that designated districts access expert guidance, resources, and tools with the proven track record of success. Downtown Madison joins 33 other designated districts across the state.”
“Being selected as a Main Street Alabama community is a tremendous honor and a pivotal moment for historic downtown Madison,” Finley stated. “This designation sparks new momentum, bringing fresh energy to the heart of our city. By increasing foot traffic, creating exciting events, and enhancing the experience in and around our historic district, we are supporting the economic vitality of our current shop owners and laying the foundation for a vibrant future.”
“We’re thrilled that Madison has been selected as a Main Street Community,” said Lemon & Lavender business owner Shannon Fisher. She was instrumental in getting the designation approved. “This recognition affirms our belief that historic downtown Madison is a vibrant, welcoming place full of potential. We’re excited to work alongside local businesses, city leaders, and other Madison organizations to preserve our small-town charm while creating new opportunities for growth, connection, and community pride.”
DeLessio said the Pup Mayor election is just the beginning of what is planned by Main Street Madison. She said several events and resources are planned in the upcoming months to showcase the city’s downtown area. For more information about Main Street Madison and to keep up with future events and fun opportunities, go to mainstreetmadison.org, and follow Main Street Madison’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
