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Laura Bean claims 2008-09 honorary mayor title

This year's candidates combined to raise $45,452.93

By Elizabeth Gabriel

(Updated: Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 10:27 AM)

The Eastern Madera County SPCA's fund for a care and adoption facility has swelled again. Laura Bean, running for the cause, was the winner in the three-candidate Oakhurst honorary mayor race.

With Bean, the three contenders brought in a total of $45,452.93 for their charities. Individual totals are not revealed.

The other two candidates were Jackie Orpe for Helping Hands Pregnancy and Parenting Center and Mat Sands for the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst.

The transfer of power from 2007-2008 Honorary Mayor J. Carol Graham and Emma the poodle went smoothly July 17 at a dinner and last-chance-for-donations at the Oakhurst Community Center. In England, part of the investiture includes presenting a new monarch with the symbols of office, including the orb and scepter. This being Oakhurst, the investiture includes the presentation of the giant, wooden, silver-colored ribbon-cutting scissors.

"We are all winners," Bean said.

Graham said now that she and Emma have retired from their duties, Emma has a new pink easy chair to relax in.

Sands revealed the Boys & Girls Club will reopen this year. Details are still being worked out.

Orpe thanked her supporters for their efforts.

This was the 10th annual honorary mayor campaign. Angelo Pizelo reminded the audience that community activist Gary Pence, who died last week, was the first honorary mayor.

The evening included a prize for the person who came closest to guessing the total. Madera County District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler of North Fork was the winner of a stay at the Chukchansi Resort and Casino, but donated the certificate back for an auction to raise more money, which was divided equally among the candidates. Scott Runtzel was the successful bidder.

The race is overseen by the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce.