Maybe Sheriff Joe can use his birthday money to pay back Maricopa County taxpayers

by David Safier

Tonight is Joe Arpaio's birthday, and the AZ GOP is using it as an opportunity to raise some bucks. If you want to attend, it'll set you back $50, or $150 if you want the VIP Reception — and a PHOTO OP!!! Who could resist a photo op with Sheriff Joe?

The invitation presents this as "Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s 39th Birthday Party." Isn't that cute? They think their cuddly little Attack Teddy Bear is Jack Benny.

Some folks think it would be nice to present Joe with a bill so he knows how much of the money he raises tonight he owes Maricopa taxpayers. The total, according to the Guest Check: $151,413,000.

For the accountants among our readers, here's a more detailed list of the items:

• $456,000 bus
• $157,000 Jaunt to Honduras
• $99,500,000 in misspent detention funds
• Trips to Disneyland and Alaskan Fishing Resorts
• $50,000,000 defending MCSO in court since 1993
• $300,000 a year – Sherrif Joe’s “media relations” office (aka – JoeTV)
• $100,000 Double-dippin Hendershott