Robert Melanson, who had an unhealthy interest in pop star Rihanna, is taking another stab at elected office.
By Jacob Engels
One Central Florida man, who rose to fame after he was found skulking on the roof of pop star Rihanna’s roof several years ago, wants to be your Orange County Mayor. According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website, Melanson quietly filed his paperwork last Thursday (December, 15th).
Mr. Melanson made international headlines when his obsession for Rihanna reached new heights… culminating in Melanson climbing onto the roof of her Pacific Palisades home in California. The incident occurred in 2013 when the singer was on tour in the U.K. Melanson was arrested and bailed out shortly after.
More recently, he made headlines locally by running against popular incumbent Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke. Melanson would garner almost 10% of the vote, earning him a DISTANT third place finish. He moved from Massachusetts in 2014 before running for office and spent time working at “Get Nuts”, a gourmet peanut shop at the Florida Mall accordig to the Orlando Sentinel.
Other potential candidates include Central Florida Commission on Homelessness Andrae Bailey, State Representative Mike Miller, Businessman Dean Asher, Orange County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson, Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, Congressman John Mica, and Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph.
In his 2016 race to earn a spot on the Orange County Commission, Melanson’s platform was non-existent and his campaign was largely a sideshow because of the 2013 Rihanna rooftop incident. While anyone can certainly run for office, it’s hard to determine what Mr. Melanson would hope to accomplish if elected.
Even so, you never say never in politics. In a contested race with up to 10 candidates expected to take a shot, I’d predict he can finish ahead of Orange County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson.
For that, Orange County will be eternally grateful. We will update you as more information is made available regarding Melanson’s campaign.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. His work through these publications has been showcased in hundreds of publications and news outlets in the state of Florida, the United States, and around the globe. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
