When more than 50 animals in Massachusetts launched campaigns for the tongue-in-cheek title of Bike Path Mayor, I didn’t expect to end up interviewing one of the frontrunners – a cat named Mr. Fang who just might be the most serious politician I’ve ever spoken to.
When I first wrote about the Bike Path Mayor election in Somerville, Massachusetts, I thought I was covering a quirky neighborhood story: more than 50 animals – cats, dogs, a turtle, a snake, even a parrot – competing for a title that comes with exactly zero official responsibilities. And yet the campaigns were as organized as real politics: posters, slogans, party names, even accusations of "dirty tricks" when a sign went missing. Well, I figured that would be the end of it – until my inbox pinged with a message from one of the candidates.
From Neighborhood Gimmick To Political Movement
Not just any candidate, but Mr. Fang: a cat with a biography that reads like a rags-to-riches novel, and, as it turns out, a surprisingly thoughtful take on democracy. He even attached campaign materials. In his first message, Mr. Fang described the Cat Mayor race as more than a neighborhood joke – it was, in his words, "a living metaphor for New England values." He spoke of diversity, equity, and inclusion not as abstractions but as everyday practice on the Community Path, where every creature has a place.
At that point, I realized I couldn’t just observe this election from the sidelines anymore – I had to hear directly from the cat himself. So I sent over a few questions. And to my astonishment, Mr. Fang answered. What follows is our exclusive interview with the feline mayoral hopeful. And, well, my first interview with a cat in general.
An Exclusive Q&A With Cat Mayor Candidate Mr. Fang
Q: In your message, you wrote that the race is about more than winning – it’s about the nature of the election itself. What does that mean to you personally?
Mr. Fang: To me, it’s about showing that democracy can be joyful, inclusive, and – dare I say – purr-suasive. It’s not claws-out politics, but paws-together community. Whether I win or not, the simple act of dozens of animals participating proves that belonging matters more than titles.
Q: You mention "diversity, equity, and inclusion." How do these values translate into concrete "cat policy" on the Community Path?
Mr. Fang: On the Community Path, it means no food bowl goes unshared, no sunny spot on the pavement is reserved for just one species, and squirrels, pigeons, and yes – even dogs – get to wag, flap, or scamper without judgment. Inclusion smells a lot like tuna, honestly: there’s enough for everyone if we share.
Q: Your journey – from stray cat in Dorchester to mayoral hopeful – sounds like a true American Dream. How has that experience shaped you?
Mr. Fang: I once lived in shadows, searching trash bins for meals. Kind humans gave me shelter and a second chance. That journey taught me that dignity isn’t given – it’s nurtured. So when I curl up today in a warm home, I don’t just sleep: I dream of making sure no cat, creature, or neighbor feels left out in the cold.
Q: What do you hope both animals and humans will take away from this election?
Mr. Fang: That politics doesn’t always need to hiss. It can be playful, imaginative, and kind. If animals and humans alike leave this election with lighter hearts and bigger smiles, then I’ve already won – even if I don’t get the mayor’s collar.
Q: If there were a televised debate, what would be your knockout line against your opponents?
Mr. Fang: "To my opponents: while you were napping, I was out here building a movement. Vote Fang – the cat who gets things done between naps."
Mr. Fang’s closing words:
Massachusetts has always stood as a lighthouse for progress – proudly pro-science, pro-democracy, and deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These aren’t just policies here; they’re woven into our history, from the fight for independence to the fight for equality. On the Community Path, as in our Commonwealth, every creature deserves freedom, respect, and a seat at the table – whether they walk on two legs, four paws, or even flutter on wings. This Cat Mayor election may be playful, but its spirit reflects a very serious truth: when we welcome all of God’s creatures, we create a community worthy of the future.
I’m grateful Mr. Fang made time for this interview between strolling his sovereign territory, swatting at belly rubs, and enjoying the finest food a cat deserves. It was truly a pleasure. Turns out, we can still learn a lot from you.
What A Cat Taught Me About Democracy
Walking away from this exchange, I couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity of it all. I had just interviewed a cat about democracy, inclusion, and the American Dream. And yet, what surprised me most was not the novelty – it was the sincerity. Between the paw puns and playful metaphors, Mr. Fang articulated a vision of politics that felt refreshingly earnest: community over competition, dignity over titles, imagination over cynicism.
In the end, maybe that’s the real point of Somerville’s Cat Mayor election. It’s not about who wears the collar, but about reminding us that democracy – at its best – is participatory, joyful, and a little bit weird. And if it takes a former stray cat to remind us of that, then perhaps the future of politics really is feline.