Harrah’s Resort Southern California on May 16 formally inaugurated actor, author, and comedian Jane Lynch, as Funner’s first female mayor and third celebrity mayor, succeeding past mayors Rob Riggle and David Hasselhoff. Donning a purple power suit with her trusty falcon, Floyd, in tow, Lynch was sworn in among the swaying palm trees and unwavering support of the people of Funner.
As Lynch took to the stage to mark her official induction ceremony, she remarked that while she didn’t anticipate adding politician to her resume, this might be one of her favorite roles of her career thus far.
“Wow, I am incredibly humbled and so excited to be here with you all in my favorite city in the world, Funner, Calif.,” said Lynch, known for her roles in movies “Best in Show,” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” and TV shows “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Glee.”
“Funner is more than a place, it’s a state of mind. It’s an oasis and a reprieve from the everyday mundane, where everyone is welcome and surprises can be found at every corner,” Lynch said. “It is my wish and my duty that I lead the people to join us and follow their own Funner.”
The inauguration ceremony concluded with Lynch being presented with a key to the city, signifying the start of her official tenure as the newest mayor.
“We are thrilled to have Jane Lynch as Funner’s new mayor,” said Bo Mazzetti, chairman of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. “We know that Jane’s contagious spirit and legendary experience will only continue to grow the community here at Harrah’s Resort SoCal.”
Trading in her set of tracksuits in favor of a collection of vibrant, purple pantsuits, Lynch will implement the Funner state of mind – her initiatives include launching the resort’s brand-new Hell’s Kitchen restaurant this summer, overseeing entertainment at The Events Center, collaborating on new menu items and beverage offerings, promoting zen vibes with new spa offerings, and more.
“Jane Lynch embodies the ideals of Funner,” said Jill Barrett, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Resort SoCal. “She is the prime elected official to be the next leader of Funner, given her unparalleled ability to share the Funner state of mind with everyone she comes across.
“Mayor Jane is already hard at work, rolling out a brand new zero-proof cocktail menu, vegan culinary offerings, two custom spa treatments, and the trusty mayoral hotline. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store,” Barrett added.
For more information about Harrah’s Resort SoCal and Funner, visit harrahssocal.com.
Q&A with new Funner Mayor Jane Lynch
Q: What makes Funner so fun?
Jane Lynch: Well, if you notice in the word Funner there is an “er” at the end – and I’m not actually sure it’s a word in the English dictionary, it might be something made up, which makes it that much more special. It’s taking fun and squeezing more out of it.
Q: Is Funner really a word?
Jane Lynch: It wasn’t. I don’t believe it was a word. But now it’s a place, so now it’s a word. When you say Funner you want to say more fun, but we coined the word Funner.
Q: If you had one day to play in Funner, what would you do?
Jane Lynch: I would do everything and there is so much to do here. I would schedule a spa treatment, go to the pool, eat at the eight different restaurants that offer all different cuisines, and then I would end up at the Rincon Brewery for a nightcap.
Q: What are your duties as mayor?
Jane Lynch: Mostly just look pretty. Be kind. Shake hands. Ask, “Hey, how’s it going?” and really mean it. I have my right-hand man, my falcon Floyd, and he’s the guy who’s going to be my eyes in the sky to make sure everyone is having fun. He’s not with me all the time because he goes off and does his thing – we’re kind of a good cop, bad cop sort of combo. He’s off patrolling right now. If people are not having fun, he reports that to me.
Q: Would you consider yourself a benevolent leader?
Jane Lynch: Yes. I’m magnanimous, benevolent, caring, and kind – the kind of leader you probably won’t find within our country at this time.
Q: Would the mayor of Funkytown be envious of you?
Jane Lynch: I think so because you only go to Funkytown at night. But Funner is 24/7 fun.
Q: So any rivalry with the mayor of Funkytown?
Jane Lynch: No, no, no. He’s got his bailiwick, his thing, and it’s a middle-of-the-night type of thing, which is when the residents of Funner are sound asleep because we’re getting ready for another fun day. That was the best question of the day … a rivalry with Funkytown? Good one (laughter).
– Thomas Melville
