BRINNON — In most places, buying an election is a crime. In Brinnon, it’s part of the plan.
A contest to choose a “mayor,” a ceremonial position for the unincorporated community, is a fundraiser for the Brinnon Parks and Recreation Commission.
On Saturday, the commission will provide a lockbox — actually a World War II munition box — in the Brinnon Community Center, 306144 U.S. Highway 101, for the election, which will end April 9.
A dollar bill must be attached to each vote.
The candidate who wins the most votes — and dollars — will serve as the community’s mayor.
Contest funds will go toward the parks and recreation commission’s economic development programs, Commissioner Nicole Black said.
To be eligible for the one-year unpaid position, which would include such duties as attending ribbon-cuttings and riding in parades, a resident must be at least 10 years old.
No pets or members of the parks commission will be allowed to serve, Black said.
The election opening will coincide with the center’s Super Soup Cook Off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There is no formal nominating process. A vote serves as a nomination, and there is no limit to the number of times a person can vote.
Black said she hopes the election will raise $1,500 toward the $13,000 needed to subsidize the commission’s community development efforts.
The board currently has no source of income and is considering other fundraisers as well as a possible levy lid lift, Black said.
Voters created the parks district in November to sponsor community projects and accept grants for their completion, with the eventual goal of imposing a property tax levy for support of those projects.
A levy lift proposal, which would be voted on by residents of the district, is still on the table.
In the meantime, the board will explore other fundraising options, Black said.
One commission priority is the purchase of liability insurance.
That would cost about $1,400, Black said.
“We will be super excited if we can raise that,” she said.
Black said she hopes the election will become an annual fundraising activity.
For more information, phone 360-301-0844.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
