Hi. I’m Boris. Just Boris, like Prince, or Cher.

I’m running for the Orleans Select Board seat opening up in 2026. I’m not eligible to register as a candidate, so if you want to vote for me, you will have to write me in.

My platform is simple:

Be nice. Consider everyone. Try to bring everyone together. And, above all, don’t BS anyone. Be straightforward, be honest and be transparent. It’s better for the Town of Orleans, and honestly, life’s not worth living any other way.

In that spirit, the truth is that I can’t read, send emails, or speak. I’m useless when it comes to numbers (other than counting my guaranteed four walks every day). And I really don’t see myself sitting in a chair in the Nauset Room listening to someone talk about the local comprehensive plan.

On the other hand, I represent elemental life forces. I meet the riddle of existence head-on, with enthusiasm and verve. Most people smile and feel good when they see me. I can be a powerful standard-bearer for the values of ordinary people in this town who aren’t part of the ruling clique, and who don’t want to tamp everything down and make everything gray and uniform and boring. Electing me will say to the next human being who takes the seat, “Be humble; assume that you have a lot to learn, and that your ideas aren't always going to be the best ones.” I think that’s a really important message.
 

A Brief Bio:

I was born in Houston, Texas, in 2016. As I remember it, I was tethered outdoors as a pup. It wasn't much fun. Eventually, I decided life had to have more to offer, and I chewed through my tether and set off to find something better. I discovered that I have some sort of inexplicable charisma, and I used it to integrate myself into packs of large dogs who could protect me and help me find food. At times, that life wasn't so easy either. I still have a pellet in me from someone shooting me, and that might be why I hate sudden loud noises. (I don't like hoses, either, but if there's a back story to that, I must have repressed it.)

When I was pulled off the streets by rescuers, I had mixed feelings. It was a relief to have bowls of food put in front of me, and to get medical care for my various minor wounds and infections. However, I wasn't sure at first that I could trust these humans. They called me Terrence, which I didn't think really fit, but they were absolutely wonderful to me, nursed me back to health, and then put me up for fostering. Here's their website:

https://www.houstonshaggydogrescue.org/about/

Then I was shipped up to New Jersey in a crate, which frankly scared the heck out of me. I was fostered by two very sweet people there, Diane and Moe. They renamed me Boris, a name that captures my spirit, if you ask me. From there, I was driven to Connecticut, where I was turned over to my current family. Before I realized that I wasn't being tethered again, I chewed through two sets of Honda seatbelts while waiting for my new humans to return from shopping. The first time I saw open water, my brain exploded. I just couldn't process it. But then a dog came walking down the beach, and I thought, "if he's cool with it, I guess it's okay!" I don't love to swim, but I enjoy a refreshing dip in the water when it's warm, and I love it here in Orleans. 

I believe that I'm here for a reason. That is, I have a mission in life, and I want to live it to the fullest. Feel free to just stop and say "hi" if you run into me, but I would also very much appreciate it if you voted for me, as I think my message is important in these crazy times.​​

 

Thanks!

 

   Boris