Royal City to Vote Bear in fall municipal elections?
As many in Guelph know the municipal elections are to be held on Monday, Oct. 22 and with campaigning season comes the frenzy of any mudslinging political event. “It’s so hard to choose,” said Sal Monlove, an indecisive voter. “There’s so much to consider, but I do know we need change, now.” Well, perhaps change is here.
In an unprecedented move, Guelph icon, fashionista, and salmon connoisseur, The Begging Bear is running for mayor of Guelph. Bear (with a mighty roar) challenges fellow candidates Cam Guthrie and Aggie Mlynarz in what promises to be an upstream race for the ages.
Two Guelphites have given their initial opinions on the controversial Bear for mayor campaign. Honey B. Hives said, “We need a candidate with their claws out and nose to the ground.” While, Willbie Hunter said, “Once a bear, always a bear. Nothing but cottage-thieving crooks.”
Details about this wildcard candidate have been greatly speculated, but little has been officially put on the record — until now. The Contrarion is the first major news outlet to cover this rising star with an exclusive interview.
While some Guelphites have expressed surprise over The Begging Bear throwing their hat into the political ring, others feel that this has been a long time coming. Regardless of political alignment, everyone can agree that this is without a doubt (bear) history in the making.
The Begging Bear has been a Guelph icon for years. Each and every day Bear can be found standing sentinel outside the Art Gallery of Guelph; stoically persisting, regardless of sun, rain, wind, and snow (and often dressed in a unique outfit). Bear is a symbol of strength in good times and bad.
“I’ve seen more than anybody,” said Bear. “I’ve been here every day, faithfully. I think I’m right for the mayor of Guelph because I’m an every-bear. I’m for the daily-doers. And, I like being connected to the people of Guelph in their day-to-day lives. It’s very important to me.”
Some citizens have expressed concern over Bear (as more traditional times fade away) being the first bear in office. To which Bear replied: “At times we’re depicted as violent animals, when actually we’re quite gentle. It’s the movies that get us wrong. If we’re ever hostile, it’s for the protection of our cubs. I can guarantee that any person who’s waited for the city bus with me would say I’m very friendly.”
The Begging Bear has asked people not to take pity on them just because they identify as a “begging” bear. When asked where the “begging” tag came from, Bear shrugged and said, “No idea, but I’d prefer to be likened to an Inviting Bear or Welcoming Bear or Giving Bear.”
And perhaps when a person takes a closer look, it’s easy to imagine — with paw extended — one of those alternatives instead.
Bear’s mayoral policy can be best described as pro-environment. Bear’s official declaration states that: “As mayor I will serve honourably, responsibly, and fairly. Thus, I plan to foster wildlife conservation, increase honey production, and integrate wild bears into the city.”
As for particulars such as the economy, Bear said, “I have no idea — I’m a bear! Where I come from, we have no economic concerns — it’s all just fish, honey, and berries.” When asked what that means for Guelph (with a look of genuine innocence on their face), Bear said, “Just that — fish, honey, and berries.”
The Contrarion also had the opportunity to ask Bear about the other mayoral candidates: Cam Guthrie (the incumbent) and Aggie Mlynarz.
“Unlike them I have no faculty for clever explanations and prefer to answer questions with down-to-earth talk,” said Bear. “I come from the woods, and my humble beginnings reflect that. Growing up, talk was on a one-to-one basis or within a close-knit family. We had to listen carefully, respond clearly, work together, and at times even disagree. This meant that we respected each other. We could disagree, but work together, and not try to undo everything that some bear had done before. With that being said, I hope the other candidates run their campaigns as humanely as possible.”
On the topic of personal philosophy, Bear told The Contrarion that equality is the name of the game.
“I want all walks of nature to come together,” said Bear. “I feel that we are all fundamentally the same and should make Guelph the best we possibly can. If I’m elected mayor, I’d like to start by bridging the gap between humans and animals, and perhaps the gaps within each side themselves. I’d like us all to reach across to each other, despite differences. For example, I’d like so-called ‘annoying’ animals like skunks and racoons to be treated with respect by humans. And in turn, I’d like those same animals to treat humans with respect by not spraying [humans and] their dog best friends [or going through humans’] trash cans. I think the biggest problem we face today is a refusal to listen to or even acknowledge what the other side is going through. If there’s no talk, there’s no moving forward towards understanding.”
In an effort to relate to human voters Bear mentioned some of their general interests: “I enjoy hiking, traveling, scavenging for food, sleeping outside, winter camping, fording rivers, gazing at the stars, cliff diving, helping lost hikers, music, chess, acting, sushi restaurants, farmers’ markets, bee farms, and art galleries.”
In a closing statement, Bear said, “I know I’m probably the underdog-bear candidate. I know I don’t have the major support that most candidates have, but I won’t let that hold me back.”
And rightly so. With heart like that, an undeniable following may very well carry this beloved bear into office.