Progressive Conservative MPP, Dawn Gallagher Murphy, celebrated her 4th Annual Taxpayer-funded BBQ yesterday at Riverwalk Commons in downtown Newmarket.
It was a beautiful warm and sunny Sunday afternoon and there was a decent sized crowd queuing up for their "free" meal.
Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch and those registering beforehand and those registering on the day will probably have their names harvested for Dawn’s database. Just to remind them of the dates of her future BBQs - and her legendary largesse when it comes to spending other people's money.
No Famous Faces
I was there for about 45 minutes – without a hamburger or spring roll passing my lips – and I didn’t see too many familiar faces.
No sign of the Mayor or any councillors but they could have been late arrivals.
I chatted to the on-duty paramedics about the Government’s plans to ban municipal speed cameras and wondered how that would impact their work. Likewise, I talked to the firefighters asking for their views - all off-the-record.
Enthusiastic
The irrepressible former Council candidate, Darryl Wolk, was there as always, enthusiastically waving the flag for the Progressive Conservatives, right or wrong. (Photo below)
Darryl is an amateur wrestler in his spare time and explains the tricks of the trade, the feints, the phoney slams and the smacks. It’s all about the spectacle and entertainment. A bit like Dawn's politics.
Darryl stresses you never hurt your opponent – at least, not intentionally.
Expenses
We shall find out in due course how much Dawn Gallagher Murphy's latest BBQ cost us when she files her "hospitality" expenses. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
But I got the impression she has scaled things back a bit with the Provincial election now safely behind her.
During her first term as Newmarket-Aurora MPP she spent an eye watering $26,995 of taxpayers’ money on her BBQs.
Centre of attention
She laps up her minor-celebrity status. Loves being the centre of attention.
During the entire time I was there, she was busily at work, playing the part, being photographed on the stage with a long line of admirers.
I doubt if anyone asked her why she wants to ban municipal speed cameras across the Province.
On such a jolly day it would have struck the wrong note.
After all, it's not really something to laugh about.
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