NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Simon, a charming Basset cattle dog, was officially sworn in as New York City’s second honorary dog mayor on Sunday afternoon.
Watch video from the ceremony below in the latest episode of AllForAnimalsTV hosted by 1010 WINS Morning Anchor Susan Richard!
The ceremony, held on the steps of City Hall was officiated by NYC Dog Mayor Founder & Director Stephen Calabria, with the swearing in (or barking in, as it may have been), conducted by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. The ceremony marked the beginning of Simon’s two-year term following an unusual election filled with unexpected twists.
Simon’s election was far from ordinary. Initially re-entering the race after another candidate dropped out, Simon ultimately secured victory when his final opponent, Bertram the Pomeranian, a rescue dog adopted from a shelter in Oklahoma in 2013, withdrew. Bertram passed away shortly after the election. “We will never stop loving Bertie,” organizer Stephen Calabria told 1010 WINS.
Simon succeeds Mayor Sally Longdog, who, according to Calabria, left behind “an incredible legacy of activism, earnestness, and lethargy.”
Simon will be joined in his new role by Deputy Dog Mayor Pepper, a pint-sized chocolate dachshund. Calabria joked, “We don’t think it’s a problem to put him on a pedestal—otherwise, he can’t see!”
Simon and his person, Sophie Vershbow, earlier this month visited the 1010 WINS newsroom and even got a special "1010 WINS Microphone to the City". Check it out below: