Cameron Charbonnier is this year’s Mayor of Dorchester, having beaten out Pat O’Brien for the ceremonial title. Charbonnier, 21, and O’Brien, 23, are both Neponset natives, and the funds they raised will go to the Dot Day Parade. Charbonnier secured the brass ring by raising more than $16,000.

Q. Why did you decide to run for Mayor of Dorchester?
A. I went back and forth on if I wanted to run or not. I liked the idea of getting involved with Dorchester Day and helping to raise money for the parade but with my job and classes I wasn’t sure if I would have the time to dedicate myself to it. It was the support of my friends, family, and colleagues, who started a “Draft Cam” movement on social media, that inspired me to run.

Q. Describe your campaign. What were your most successful fundraising efforts?
A. My campaign was truly a team effort and I could not have done it without the help and support of so many people. Specifically, my mom, Leah Finn, Carla Tankle, my campaign manager, Joyce Linehan, who started and orchestrated the “draft Cam” movement, Kelly Butts, who registered me to run, and everyone else who helped me with my fundraisers, raffle prizes, and community outreach. My most successful fundraiser was at Florian Hall. I had over 40 donated raffle prizes and silent auction items that really helped to raise a lot of money in just one night.

Q. How did having an opponent affect your campaign? What was the interaction between the two of you like?
A. Having an opponent brought a fun and competitive nature to the race, I have known Pat my whole life. We grew up in the same neighborhood and have been family friends for ever. We had great interactions on the campaign trail and I thank him for all he does for this community and for throwing his hat in the ring.

Q. What are your favorite things about Dorchester and, more specifically, about Dorchester Day?
A. One of my favorite things about both Dorchester and Dot Day is the sense of community that you experience. Dorchester is an incredible place to be from, and it always amazes me that no matter what the situation this community always stands together and there is no better example of that then Dot Day. It has always been one of my favorite days of the year because it is an opportunity to celebrate the community that we all love.

Q. What do you hope to see, at the parade or elsewhere, this coming Dorchester Day?
A. With what we have been dealing with so far this week, I am first and foremost hoping for good weather! I am also just looking forward to a fun day with family and friends marching in a parade that I have been involved with for my whole life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Dorchester.