Q&A: Tuxedo Stan, Halifax Mayoral Candidate

Forget the 2012 presidential race—the mayoral race in Halifax, Nova Scotia has been stealing headlines around the world thanks to its most popular candidate: the cat Tuxedo Stan. Running on the Tuxedo Party’s  platform of ending and easing the plight of homeless pets, this purrfect politician took time out of his campaign schedule to chat about politics and his cat campaign.  

What got you started in politics? I began as a blogger for my mom’s award winning book Urban Tigers-Tales of a Cat Vet. Then I got noticed by the Tuxedo Party of Canada as an up and comer. I’m young, handsome, charming and I come with my own tuxedo.

What is the Tuxedo Party's platform? I have a wooden platform in Catopia (the gated community where I live) that I sit on to watch the birds. It has a few cracks in it.

Is there a homeless cat crisis in Halifax? Is the pope Catholic? There’s a huge problem! Tens of thousands of cats are suffering from disease and starvation and have no place to go. And there’s no help for low income families to have their cats spayed or neutered either, so we get more and more kittens. Personally, I think testicles (and ovaries) are over-rated. I’m neutered and proud of it.

What has been the response to your campaign? Overwhelming! I started my campaign just a few months ago and I have 5600+ likes from all over the world on my Facebook page. That’s three times more than any of the other candidates running for mayor! I’ve been featured on local and national TV, CNN, talk shows and in newspapers around the globe. I’ve got a video coming out featuring my own campaign song by Canada’s own Don Amero called “Life Gets Better.”  I’ve even had marriage proposals too. Surprised? I’m a cute guy with an important message.

Do you have any posters or campaign merchandise for sale? Yes, we have lawn signs, buttons and T-shirts available locally. But due to overwhelming international demand, we will soon have a new website for the Tuxedo Party where you will be able to buy Tuxedo Stan Stuff on line. Of course, all profits will go to supporting a local citizens’ initiative called Spay Day HRM.

What's the hardest part about being a mayoral candidate? Kissing babies. I’m just not into that. Also, unexpectedly hoarking up a hairball in the middle of a speech. I mean, you just can’t predict when those things are going to shoot out of your mouth or where they’ll land. I guess I’m a bit like Mitt Romney in that respect.

What do you think of President Obama's dog Bo? Do you wish they had a cat? I don’t hold it against President Obama. I have a couple of pet dogs myself. Their personal hygiene leaves a lot to be desired but they are nice to cuddle up with on a cold winter’s night. Forty-seven percent of households in North America have dogs. I represent all pets, not just the ones who vote for me.

What will be your first order of business once elected Mayor? Install a litter box and a catnip vending machine in the mayor’s office.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Do you have Prime Minister ambitions? Actually, I’m interested in your big, white house in Washington, DC. I would repaint it black and white in my honor after the USA joins Canada as our 11th province.