The Republicans and Town can insist all they want that the dinner for Arpaio was not a political event, but the facts prove otherwise. The liquor license application said that all money went to the Republican Club. They organized the event and got the speakers, including a speaker who attacked Democrats. To use the Food Bank (which is supposed to be non-partisan) as a ploy to avoid paying fees to our Town that is struggling with finances is simply petty.

Celebrating a fired sheriff (not a “retirement” dinner) who broke the law many times, including stalking his political opponents (apparently, “his way,” as noted on his cake) is perverse. “His way” has cost county taxpayers close to $200 million in lawsuits.

The topping to the farce was bringing in B actor, Steven Seagal. He has been charged with sex crimes and sued for killing a puppy while he and Arpaio were trying to prove what tough guys they were with a tank, attacking a home while a guy accused of cock-fighting was sleeping—done for excitement for Seagal’s TV show.

How much did this stunt cost taxpayers; money that could have been used to investigate 400 child sex crime cases Arpaio couldn’t be bothered with?

It was noted that Arpaio should be credited for 1,000 prisoners getting their GEDs during his terms. That number is abysmal; less than 42 per year. If the jails were run properly, it should’ve been hundreds per year.

If the Republicans wanted to have a private party for Arpaio, in spite of all the damage he’s done, that’s fine. But they should’ve been honest enough to pay the fees, rather than tarnishing the image of the supposedly non-partisan Food Bank. The end doesn’t justify the means. We won’t support a non-profit that honors law-breaking.