‘He is super friendly and he lets my son give him treats’ is not the usual review one hears of a mayor, but then Mayor Max is no ordinary town official.
In 2012, the small town of Idyllwild, California elected its very first Mayor, an exceptionally good boy named Max who also happens to be a golden retriever.
Is there anything more heart-crushingly adorable and noble than a dog with a job?
Obviously not.
Idyllwild is a non-incorporated town, meaning they aren’t eligible for ordinary municipal elections. But frankly who wants ordinary municipal elections when you can see Max patrolling about and turning up to ribbon-cuttings?
Max has fun, sure, but he has his responsibilities too. His job description includes promising to promote the mountain community, support commissioners in their projects, be present at community events such as festivals and parades, do his best to accept invitations for official visits, and speak out on behalf of the animals of the mountain, domesticated and non-domesticated.
Other duties include receiving scratches, pats and rubs, and of course doling out friendly licks to the deserving citizens.
When his duties get a little overwhelming, Max can always count on his two deputy mayors, Mikey and Mitzi, who are also dogs.
Together the trio and their human Chief of Staff, Phyllis Mueller, keep Idyllwild a loving and pleasant place to live.
‘His role is to make the world a better place by conveying unconditional love and doing as many good deeds for others,’ Phyllis tells ABC.
Who’s a good mayor? You are, Max.
