Mayor Max II | |
|---|---|
 Mayor Max II in his visiting truck, November 24, 2013 | |
| Mayor-for-life ofIdyllwild | |
| In office July 21, 2013 – July 30, 2022 | |
| Deputy | Mikey Mighty-Dog Mueller Mitzi Marie Mueller[1] |
| Preceded by | Max I |
| Succeeded by | Max III |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller (2013-05-06)May 6, 2013 |
| Died | July 30, 2022(2022-07-30) (aged 9) Temecula, California |
| Species | Dog |
| Breed | Golden Retriever |
| Sex | Male |
Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II (May 6, 2013 – July 30, 2022) was agolden retriever dog who served as the second unofficial mayor of Idyllwild, part of thecensus-designated place ofIdyllwild–Pine Cove, California. His deputy mayors, Mitzi and Mikey, were his cousins.[2] After his death Mayor Max II was succeeded by his cousin Max III, who was sworn in on December 10, 2022.[3]
In 2012, the non-profit organization Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) hosted an "election" for mayor of Idyllwild (which, as part of an unincorporated community, has no local government) as part of a fundraising event for the organization. Fourteen dogs and two cats ran, and Max, aGolden Retriever, was elected as Idyllwild's first mayor. On April 2, 2013, Mayor Max died, and Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II, another Golden Retriever, arrived in Idyllwild on July 21 to complete the remainder of the term.[4] In March 2014, as the end of Max's term approached, ARF solicited the town's interest in holding another election. The people overwhelmingly pled for Mayor Max's continuation in perpetuity.[5][3]
Mayor Max was recognized by theCounty of Riverside, California.[6] The Mayor's duties included visiting with locals and out-of-town visitors, attending business grand openings and other town functions, participating in the town's two annual parades, and promoting Idyllwild.[7] Max's popularity had spread the world over, and he has represented the town through appearances on news programs, talk shows, advertisements, billboards, and a game show.[8]
Mayor Max died in the city ofTemecula on July 30, 2022, after suffering a brief medical issue.[9] He was succeeded byMayor Max III, who formally took office on December 10, 2022.[10][11]
There's been nepotism and vote buying in the town of Idyllwild, California