I don’t care whether we’re in a recession or not, this kind of extravagance and waste is unacceptable regardless of the economy.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that taxpayers shelled out nearly $10,000 for a reception for new Raleigh city council members. On the menu:

[F]resh fruit, imported and domestic cheese trays with crackers, antipasti, hibachi beef skewers and curried chicken kebabs, at $23 per person.

To wash it down, city taxpayers paid an additional $8 a person for a selection of chardonnay and merlot wines, beer, sodas and bottled water.

Contrast that with a far more conservative (pun intended) reception for new Wake County school board members. The cost was just $749.66 and paid for privately.

Guys, it’s time to get a clue.