Clown Running For Boston City Council

BOSTON, MA — Pat Payaso isn't the only name on the November ballot for an at-large city council seat. He'll be joined by seven other candidates. He will be, however, the only clown on the ballot. No offense, Pat.

Payaso, which means "clown" in Spanish, has released campaign materials featuring himself in clown get-up - sometimes also dressing as a woman - complete with circus music. It's at best weird and at worst creepy, particularly if you've just seen clown horror flick 'It' in theaters.

Payaso, of Roxbury, has $45 in his campaign account, the Boston Herald reported. City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George said Payaso is making a "mockery" of the election, according to the Herald.

His campaign video "If I Were An Honest Boston Politician !" does little to oppose George's argument. "I would be accessible... to money $$$" reads one campaign promise.

His statement to Ballotpedia outlining his views and goals reads differently.

"I wouldn't have the answers to the opiod crisis, but I do know we need housing, mental health facilities, and that Long Island bridge and shelter should be fixed to help the problem not sold off to developers or used for Olympic events," reads one promise.

Another reads: "Finally, I would take $10,000 of my salary each year and award it as scholarship split between two graduates of the Boston Public Schools who write the best essay on the topic of ‘The value to democracy of open and honest government, public schools, public parks, public transportation and the public welfare.’

The general election for four at-large city council seat is Nov. 7.