Three running to be Rancho Bernardo’s honorary mayor
By Elizabeth Marie Himchak
Three local businessmen kicked off their Rancho Bernardo honorary mayor campaigns on Sunday, with plans to garner as many votes as possible through August.
The second annual contest organized by Rancho Bernardo Business Association — earlier contests were sponsored by the chamber of commerce — will feature Terry Klinker of SportClips, Scott Lawn of Greenway Lawn Aeration and Eli Shemirani of Barons Marketplace.
As in years past, the honorary mayor will be the candidate who sells the most tickets. Unlike other political campaigns going on this year, in the honorary mayor contest voters may vote as many times as they wish by purchasing tickets for $5 each or six for $25.
RBBA President Larry McIntyre said voters will also have an opportunity to win one of three grand prizes, though if this year’s candidates run campaigns similar to those last year, candidates are likely to offer additional prize-winning opportunities to their supporters.
The first grand prize is a two-night stay at the Rancho Bernardo Inn plus a round of golf. Second grand prize is four $75 gift certificates to Athens Market Cafe, Bernard’O Restaurant, Café Merlot and Carvers Steaks & Chops. Third grand prize is two $75 certificates to The Barrel Room and Urge American Gastropub.
Like last year, McIntyre said RBBA will once again share proceeds from the contest with several organizations. Repeat recipients will be the Miss Rancho Bernardo pageant and Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation. He said both will likely be annual recipients, with the others rotated. These two were selected because the foundation helps many organizations and projects and the Miss RB and Miss RB Teen titleholders assist at RBBA events. New recipients will be Rancho Bernardo Historical Society and Rancho Bernardo Hall of Fame.
McIntyre said the three candidates, formally introduced at RB Alive! on Sunday, are starting to figure out campaign strategies. However, each will likely hold parties to attract supporters. In the meantime, supporters can purchase tickets at the candidates’ respective businesses.
The contest results will be announced on Aug. 28 during the annual Savour RB that is moving to a new venue — the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo — in order to accommodate the ever-growing number of attendees and participating restaurants.
He said there are no losers in the contest since the candidate who sells the most tickets is named Rancho Bernardo Honorary Mayor, while the runners-up will be dubbed deputy mayors. Throughout the year they will make appearances at various RBBA and community events.
