A small California mountain town has become a popular place to visit after setting itself apart from other neighboring tourist hotspots. Idyllwild, which is located 2 hours from Los Angeles and boasts a population of just 4,000 people, has no ski resort, no Starbucks, and no stoplights. What’s even more unusual about the town is that it’s governed by a Golden Retriever. Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II — also known as Mayor Max — is the third official animal mayor of Idyllwild. Phyllis Mueller and her husband Glen serve as the mayor’s co-chiefs of staff and caretakers. Max’s appointment is a part of tradition that began back in 2012, when Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends started a fundraiser to elect a mayor without any human candidates. Max successfully defeated 13 other dogs and 2 cats, with 21,132 votes, while raising over $31,000 for the rescue. Mayor Max usually makes public appearances in downtown Idyllwild on Thursdays, Fridays and weekends, while his calendar is filled with private appearances at schools, nursing homes, hospice organizations and businesses year-round. Before you get too excited, local political decisions are handled by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
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| Mayor Max and his caregivers |
