Vote! Who is the Mayor of Dedham?

Editor's note: Polling is now closed.

 Here's the deal, we all know Dedham has a Board of Selectmen, Town Meeting and town administrator and other boards and committees that work to keep everything running. What Dedham does not have is a mayor.

For years, the organized an "election" to name a Mayor of Dedham - someone who represents the town, who has given back to the town and make a difference in Dedham.

After a 5-year hiatus, we've teamed with Parks and Recreation to turn Mayor of Dedham into a fundraiser for not only the department, but a charity of the Mayor's choice.

The Mayor is someone who volunteers their time, a member of the business community, a teacher or educator or anyone who is involved in the community. The idea is to highlight the good works and public participation of those who make a difference in town.

Last week,  and you came through with some great suggestions. Now it's time to vote.

Below you will find our list of nominees with a brief description.

One rule: Please do not write anything negative about any of the candidates in the comments section, or I'll pull the comment. Feel free to tell stories of the candidates, how they've helped you, how long you've known them, seen them around the neighborhood, and so on.

Here is a brief description of each nominees. If you'd like to add more information for your nominee of choice, add it into the comments section below and we'll add it to the article.

Mary Hathaway

A 51-year resident of Riverdale who has had 10 children go through the Dedham Public Schools. She has been an active Town Meeting member, Booster Club member, a former PTO President of Riverdale Elementary School, and a former President of the St. Susanna Parish Women Club, as well as  many other local activities she assists. She is an avid knitter, who has knitted hats, mittens and scarfs for students in most of the Dedham elementary schools. She is an active member of the senior community who continues to support her peers by driving them to stores, doctor appointments, bingo, and as an Eucharistic Minister, delivers communion to those who cannot attend church.  

Peter Reynolds

While Peter is well known throughout the country and the world for his work with Fablevision and his illustrations, he is best known in Dedham as owner of the Blue Bunny in the Square. Reynolds, a father of two, founded Dedham Square Circle and helped drive the Dedham Square Improvement Project; and co-founded the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity. His drawings are found in Town Hall, Avery and Oakdale schools, and many other places around Dedham. Reynolds also is involved with the Mother Brook Arts and Community Center and Dedham Library Innovation Team, just to name a couple.

Tracey White

Public service hours dedicated to the overall well-being of Dedham come to mind when thinking about Tracey White. Friends say she embodies what it truly means to be a good citizen of Dedham as she is the first one to step in and help without ever looking for recognition. She has spent countless hours volunteering for (to name a few):Dedham Youth Baseball, Dedham High Boosters, Dedham Day, All Night Graduation Party, Bernie’s Run, Dedham Clipper Swim Team, Flag Day Parade, DHS Cheer Coach, Matt Burns Fundraiser, Dedham Unity Day, Dedham Food Pantry, Dedham Police/Mason Child ID, James Joyce Ramble, Former DMS PTO President, and Former Greenlodge PTO member, and "everyone's photographer".

Brian Keaney

Brian Keaney has lived in Dedham for almost all of his life, and recently bought a home in East Dedham. He is heavily involved with the Knights of Columbus, is a Town Meeting member and volunteers with the Mother Brook Community Group. Keaney operates mydedham.org, a blog and message board that discusses local issues since 2007. He is a 1999 graduate of Dedham High School.

The two front-runners will campaign for votes at $1 per vote. The person with the most votes by the Flag Day Parade is the Mayor.

Editor's note: Polling is now closed.