Deadline Set for Brandon ‘Mayor' Race

The Community Roundtable has set a May 4 postmark-deadline for applications for the 2012 race for honorary mayor of Brandon. The contest kicks off June 1 and is decided the morning of the Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade.

It's a town tradition to name the newly "elected" mayor after counting receipts of funds collected by the candidates at the law offices of B. Lee Elam. The selection is determined by who raises the most money for charity (see below).

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How To Enter The Race For Honorary Mayor Of Brandon

• The application for the 2012 race for honorary mayor of Brandon is posted online.
• The postmark deadline is May 4.
• For information, call: 813-661-4350

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Elam's business is at the corner of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue, the starting point for the annual parade.

Each July 4 he showcases on the sign outside his business the name of the newly determined honorary mayor in time for the parade lineup. Townsfolk also learn of the newly named mayor, who rides in a car in the parade, preceded by the year's outgoing mayor, who this year is Cami Gibertini.

On May 24 at the , the public is invited to meet the candidates for this year's race, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Also at the event will be a chance to meet former honorary mayors, who have been invited to participate.

According to Janine Nickerson, vice president of the Community Roundtable, 13 former mayors have agreed to attend, with more expected to do so in the days ahead. Agreeing to attend, she said, are David Braun, Alan Feldman, Vince Ferraro, Tammy Holmberg, Grita Perry, Anne Nymark, Ryan Odiorne, Lisa Rodriguez, Connie Smaldone, Billie Smith, Nat Storms and Dick Stowers.

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5 Things To Know About The Race For Honorary Mayor Of Brandon

1. The race for honorary mayor of Brandon is run by the Community Roundtable, an umbrella organization for area charities and businesses in support of charitable endeavors. The group also runs the annual Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade, at which time the new mayor is announced.
2. The candidate who raises the most money in the month of June and through the morning of the parade is "elected" to the honorary position.
3. Each candidate contributes 10 percent of the money raised to the Roundtable and 10 percent to the sponsoring organization attached to each race. The remaining money is distributed to the candidate's charities of choice.
4. The single-candidate fundraising record is held by James Young Jr., who in 2005 raised $75,001. (He was aided by Ryan Odiorne, the outgoing mayor, who served as the race's first, and only, "deputy mayor.")
5. The mayor's job is to serve as a dignitary throughout the year at such things as town events and business ribbon-cuttings.

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Who Were The Honorary Mayors Of Brandon?

A plaque recognizing the honorary mayors of Brandon hangs on the second floor of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce building.

Starting with Nat Storms in 1959, the plaque recognizes "those citizens who cared enough to get involved." It further reads: "Through their collective efforts, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to help charitable causes in the Greater Brandon community."

Don Farr