Tryon – The newest elected official in Tryon will have his paws full running the town. At the end of September, the Town of Tryon and Tryon Downtown Development Association officially inaugurated a new Dog Mayor of Tryon. Toby Ziegler, a four-year-old rescue dog owned by Tryon resident Hollie Swofford, decisively won the election by collecting the most votes.
Twenty candidates were submitted for the Dog Mayor election, from tiny puppies to senior dogs. Votes were $1 each, with all proceeds going to local animal rescues Paws Prayers and Promises and Foothills Humane Society. In total, more than $2,900 was raised through the event.
Winning candidate Toby Ziegler campaigned under the #Toby4Tryon hashtag leading up to the election. Named for the White House Communications Director from the television show The West Wing, Toby is a staffy-bully-akita mix and a “100% good boy,” according to owner and campaign manager Swofford.
“Toby is a social butterfly and loves to make new friends,” said Swofford. “Like any good politician, he is an excellent negotiator and skilled in brokering peace between opposing parties—like my new puppy Millie and my mom’s dog Archie.” Toby also loves to be out in the sunshine and takes advantage of Tryon’s mild weather at every available opportunity.
Toby the Dog Mayor will govern for the year alongside his running mate, Toby the Cat. Owned by Tryon residents Helen and Jeff Byrd, Toby the Cat was instrumental in Toby the Dog’s campaign, helping raise votes and funds for the local animal rescues that benefit from the race.
This is the third year that Tryon has elected a Dog Mayor. Future elections promise to elect a full council of cats, dogs, and horses to help run the Town of Tryon.
Located thirty minutes south of Asheville, the small town of Tryon is a haven for the arts, the equestrian community, and outdoor activities. More information on town events like the Dog Mayor election is available at downtowntryon.org.