Qualifications
We'd love to tell you that there's a long, detailed list of specific social criteria which would ensure that only candidates of the highest quality and moral fiber could assume public office. But we don't like eating baloney and we're not going to serve it either.
In most cities, towns, and villages, the only requirements are that you are a certain age (but sometimes not) and you live in that particular city, town, or village. There are no educational requirements to become a local politician. If you can convince people to vote you into office, you don't even need a high school diploma. The fact of the matter is, anybody including your mother could run for local office and possibly become a person with power. If you think being grounded stinks, just wait until she can do it to the entire city.