They aren’t promising to balance the county budget, but a cow, an alpaca, a cat and a score of canine politicians want to make sure kids in Island County will always have the support they need.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County is searching for the first-ever pet “Mayor of Whidbey.” The mentoring agency, which matches children with mentors in the community, is introducing the mayoral campaign as a new fundraiser and as a fun way to teach Little Brothers and Little Sisters about politics in an election year, said Peggy Dyer, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County.

“For many of us, our pets are our best friends. They show us unconditional love and support,” Dyer said.

“Island County kids need that too,” she added. “By voting for your favorite four-legged candidate for the Mayor of Whidbey, you make sure more children will get a Big Brother or Big Sister who shows them love and support.”

The candidates so far come from diverse backgrounds. Among them are a young cowpoke from the farm, a couple of older gents with lots of life experience and a Tibetan immigrant living the American dream. Yet the candidates agree on one thing, and that’s supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters.

So far, Chumly the Cow, Maggie Mae the Pug, George the Cat, Atticus the Yellow Lab, Al the Alpaca, Lou the Tibetan Terrier, and Jack, the one-eyed Chocolate Lab, have announced their candidacy. Check out their platforms and candidate profiles at www.bbbsislandcounty.org.

“Those guys, like many elected officials, are able to cover more miles on less sleep than normal mortal creatures, but we promise they are much cuddlier than most politicians,” Dyer said.

Do you know a four-legged or feathered friend who could do a better job? It’s not too late to add more candidates. People may nominate pets on the BBBS Web site; click here, for a $10 fee. Little Brothers and Sisters can nominate their pet for free. Their “Bigs” may want to participate as their campaign managers.

A candidate forum may be held at a later date, Dyer added. Candidates or their representatives will address issues such as fire-hydrant cleanliness, poop-scoop laws, and preserving open space and farmland.

Votes are cast by a $1 donation to the candidate of your choice on the BBBS Web site, at any BBBS office or by donating to the candidate directly. You may vote as many times as you wish, for as many candidates as you wish.

“Want to make sure your candidate wins? We hear the candidates are bribable, so we suggest a sizeable donation to their campaign,” Dyer said.

Voting ends on Election Day, Nov. 2. The winning candidate will be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 3, and may make a special appearance at the Festival of Trees Auction.

To vote or to nominate a candidate, or to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County — click here.