I returned from Scotland in the midst of several local elections in Decatur. Local elections, because of fairly simply ballot access, tend to bring out, shall we say, “unique characters.”

There was Sally “Angry-Taxpayer” Jones.

And then this guy, whose name will remain secret.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution interviewed each candidate for a small fairly inconsequential local office, asking each candidate the reason they were running.

Most said something about civic responsibility and their gifts for the post. Mr. Smith, on the other hand, answered completely honestly.

My church ran a pledge drive last year for a new building. I pledged $100,000. I don’t currently have a job, so I figured I’d better get one so I could make the pledge. The salary for office would allow me to eat, pay rent, and support my church. Vote for me, I’m a loyal church member.

You can’t make this stuff up.

image by Ana Labate