Just because he hasn’t yet finished kindergarten doesn’t mean Robert “Bobby” Tufts can’t run an entire town.
Tufts, a four-year-old boy from Dorset, Minn., has served as the mayor of Dorset, Minn. for more than a year now. The town, which bills itself as the “Restaurant Capitol of the World” and only has 28 residents when the minister and his family are in town, selected Bobby through a drawing held at last year’s “Taste of Dorset” festival.
In order to hold his position for another one-year term, “Mayor Bobby” has campaigned around town in recent weeks, passing out campaign cards featuring photos of him in a suit and sitting with his girlfriend, Sophie – proving that he can juggle both the political world and that of a family man simultaneously.
“I would love to be your Mayor as much as I love Sophie,” the campaign card read.
Bobby’s even been busy at work legislating serious policy matters like putting ice cream at the top of the food pyramid. The citizens of Dorset do not have to worry about any flavor discrimination coming from their mayor, however, as he is an equal opportunist when it comes to his favorite ice cream flavors.
He also serves as the town’s official “Welcome Wagon” representative and has successfully convinced local law enforcement officials to eat out of the palm of his hands.
“You know, how often do you see a little kid like that who’s—call ‘em camera-friendly or whatever, you know,” Hubbard County Sheriff and Bobby supporter Cory Aukes told The Associated Press. “He’s got a very good little personality, and he’s not afraid to show it. So I think it’s great.”
Dorset’s next mayor will be chosen on August 4, and as acting mayor Bobby will be the one to draw the name. Anyone who donates $1 is eligible to vote in the mayoral election.
