JACKSON -- Joel Gill ran for the 3rd District U.S. congressional district and for state agriculture commissioner.

I never thought the Pickens mayor had much of shot at capturing either seat. But I knew he was not putting his name on the ballot just  so people would see his name in print on election day.

He was a serious man with serious ideas. As importantly, he presented those ideas in a a gracious and civil manner.

As I am sure everyone knows, Gill, 61, was killed last week in a traffic accident.

I unfortunately cannot say I spent a lot of time with Gill, but  during the time I did interact with him, I always was struck by his sincerity and his gentle nature.