Markham councillor spends $36,000 on post-election parties


Yorkregion.com
March 30, 2015
By Laura Finney

How much does it cost to throw a party to thank supporters?

The financial statements of candidates in the October municipal election in Markham have been released.

The documents detail what they spent to get elected and how much those who won spent on celebrating.

Ward 8 Councillor Alex Chiu listed $36,000 as his spending for his voting day party and appreciation notices, a figure that has raised eyebrows among city hall watchers.

By comparison, Ward 7 Councillor Logan Kanapathi spent $2,700, Ward 3 Councillor Don Hamilton spent $1,000 and Ward 1 Councillor Valerie Burke spent $730.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti spent $33,000 on his election night event, which took place at Le Parc banquet hall in Thornhill.

In an email to the Economist & Sun, Markham paralegal John Egsgard, who ran unsuccessfully in Ward 5, pointed out the average cost of a wedding in Canada, excluding honeymoon, is $22,400, according to a news article he cited.

“Mr. Chiu must have had quite a party!” he wrote, adding: “I hope Mr. Chiu isn’t so extravagant with his office budget.”

“I just wanted to thank my volunteers, and my supporters,” said Chiu, a longtime Markham ward councillor.

While candidates do have spending limits, some expenses like fundraising costs and voting day parties are not subject to a limit.

Chiu hosted a smaller party at his house that cost a few thousand dollars but also held a larger celebration at Angus Glen golf club to show his gratitude, said his wife and campaign manager, Alicia Chiu.

“We just wanted to show appreciation,” she said. “We did it in a restaurant, and of course in a restaurant you spend more.”

About 200 people attended the event that included a full course dinner and entertainment, she said.

“We always hold a big event after each election,” she said.

Candidates had until 2 p.m. Friday to submit their expenses to the city clerk.

In Ajax, one councilor was removed from office Monday after not filing his compliance statements before deadline.

Statements are available on the city’s website markham.ca, and hard copies of the statements can be viewed at the clerk’s office during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.