Key Takeaways:
– In Wilmington, Southern California, the honorary mayor race is a unique and wholesome political event.
– Rival candidates Alejandra Rodriguez and Alicia Baltazar display sportsmanship and help each other during the campaign.
– The honorary mayor is elected based on their fundraising prowess, with the winner being the highest fundraiser for a local nonprofit organization.
– The honorary mayor title comes with no political power, salary, or staff.
– Local residents are engaged and supportive of this friendly competition.
The Friendly Rivalry at the Wilmington Honorary Mayor Race
A warm aura of camaraderie filled the air outside the Wilmington Recreation Center as campaign tables for the honorary mayor race candidates were set up. Alejandra Rodriguez and Alicia Baltazar, political opponents for the honorary mayor office, found themselves helping each other during their campaigns.
Rodriguez’s campaign table showcased pamphlets and a poster of her, while Baltazar, alongside her son, offered free chips and homemade mini muffins with her campaign’s branding. Rather than being a cutthroat competition, this race seems more of a friendly contest.
The Wholesome Nature of Wilmington Mayoral Race
For over 70 years, the small southern Californian community of Wilmington has kept the tradition of electing an honorary mayor alive. The role fetches no salary, staff, or political perks but has been a staple part of the community’s identity.
Even though the number of communities that still employ this quirk of local government has dwindled over the years, Wilmington’s commitment to maintain this vestige of old-school civic tradition is commendable.
Fundraising for Local Nonprofits Steers the Race
Candidates for the honorary mayor position in Wilmington are tasked with raising funds for local non-profit organizations. In essence, their campaigns resemble traditional political contests, complete with community events and fundraisers. This fundraising tenacity determines the winner. Monica Diaz, Chief Executive of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, vouched for the approach.
“The competition may be friendly, but the candidates passionately represent their chosen organizations,” said Diaz.
Candidates Fight for the Community
Baltazar views her candidacy as a means of giving back to the community. She plans to channel her efforts towards Tianguiz Cultural, a group that organizes night markets in Wilmington and San Pedro. In contrast, Rodriguez campaigns on behalf of the Wilmington Teen Center, a place she visited during her formative years.
The winner of this year’s honorary mayor race will be declared during a Chamber of Commerce event scheduled for September 26th.
Rivals Co-operating for a Shared Purpose
The spirit of cooperation between Rodriguez and Baltazar is infectiously cheerful. The duo even tackled language barriers together when needed, keeping the spirit of the competition alive. This scenario puzzled some locals who are accustomed to a more adversary-based political landscape. However, their camaraderie gradually drew more attention and ticket sales.
Even though Baltazar managed to sell more tickets (56) than Rodriguez (25) at the Summer Night Lights event, neither seemed overly concerned with wins and losses. They unitedly acknowledged that this friendly competition was about more than personal victories.
Final Thoughts
Wilmington’s honorary mayor race is a heartwarming testament to a simpler time when politics was more community-centric. Despite the lack of political power or prestige that comes with the position, Wilmington’s residents passionately pursue the title, emphasizing their desires to better their communities.