When Public Funds Become Personal: The Cost of Apple Devices
Meet Mr. Paolo Galati, the Laval municipal councilor who seems to be living in a different universe—one where taxpayer money flows like apple juice at a discount store. No, not the grocery store kind—I’m talking about the shiny, premium-priced, tech heaven that is Costco but with a touch of an elitist flair. Get ready for a wild ride into the land of mismanaged public funds!
Too Many Apples in the Fruit Basket
Our Bureau of Investigation—sounds impressive, doesn’t it?—discovered that in June 2022, the tech-savvy Mr. Galati thought it was a fine idea to splurge $6,100 on Apple devices using his Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board credit card. Now, I don’t know about you, but as someone who has mastered the art of turning a dollar at a grocery store, I’d be thrilled to buy a few bananas and a loaf of bread with public funds. But no, Sir Galati had other plans.
Here’s the juicy bit: he acquired a MacBook Pro for a staggering $3,149, an iPhone for $1,809, and some add-ons that could cover the tuition for half a year at an average university. All this without any prior approval from the school board’s management. When it comes to justifying such expenses, it’s become clear that Mr. Galati is a pupil who never learned the lesson on ‘spending taxpayers’ money wisely’—or ‘spending it at all’ for that matter!
A Surfeit of Gadgets
Our dear councilor now finds himself the proud owner of four computers and two iPhones—all funded by the humble taxpayer. You have to wonder if he’s planning to set up a mini Apple Store in his basement. I mean, let’s face it, who really needs four computers? Surely the average citizen can barely keep one functioning without turning it into a paperweight. But here’s Mr. Galati, who, oddly enough, has had the audacity to keep another MacBook Pro in perfect working order since 2018. Talk about hoarding, eh?
It’s All About Preferences!
Now, let’s sprinkle some icing on this cake of calamity. The school board provides “Windows laptops” to each commissioner—yet our hero, Mr. Galati, claimed a MacBook back in 2018 “because it was his preference.” I mean, we all have our guilty pleasures—mine just happens to be less expensive. But Mr. Galati? Well, apparently, his preference comes with a hefty price tag, cushioned by the public purse.
He defended himself via SMS, claiming his IT department had recommended he buy another computer, which leads us to a profound existential question: “Why didn’t he just return the first one?” It seems to me that Mr. Galati’s logic is a bit like a dodgy Wi-Fi connection—full of holes.
The Final Cut: The Return of the Gadgets
As this story unfolds like a twisted plot from a satirical comedy, it appears Mr. Galati, feeling the heat of scrutiny, announced he’d withdraw from the opposition party and opted not to run in the upcoming school elections. Wise move, Mr. Galati! As for the expensive gadgets? They’re being returned faster than you can say “budget cuts.” It’s been confirmed that the two MacBook Pros were returned to the school board, leaving us to wonder how many more tech-related temptations await this public servant in the future.
In Conclusion
This whole saga shows us, once more, that some people need to retake the finance 101 course because public funds are not a personal slush fund! It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that when you’re given the responsibility of managing taxpayer money, using it to indulge your tech fantasies may not be the best way to earn public trust. So, next time you’re at Costco, Mr. Galati, remember that a good deal on apples isn’t just about the price tag—it’s also about what you do with the fruit of the taxpayer’s labor!
Do you have any information to share about this delightful downfall? Contact us at 1 800-63SCOOP.
The Laval municipal councilor who controversially utilized public funds for personal purchases, including groceries at Costco and a staggering $16,000 in Apple devices, has also incurred questionable expenses tied to the school board he chairs.
Our Bureau of Investigation uncovered that in June 2022, Paolo Galati charged $6,100 worth of Apple products to his Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board credit card.
According to invoices obtained through a request for access to information, his purchases included a top-of-the-line MacBook Pro priced at $3,149, AppleCare protection for $299, and an iPhone valued at $1,809, alongside a protective case costing $69.
However, the school’s general management and commissioners had not authorized this expenditure, as confirmed by Russell Copeman, the school board’s general director, in a communication.
Paolo Galati thus amassed an array of four Apple computers and two iPhones at the expense of taxpayers, namely:
– A computer, a phone, and a case, all bought without formal approval in June 2022, despite the fact that he already possessed another MacBook Pro issued by the school board since 2018.
– In addition to an iMac priced at $3,079 and an iPhone 12 costing $1,809, which he secured at the end of 2020, he also acquired another MacBook Pro for $3,249 in December 2023, this time funded by the City of Laval’s budget. Furthermore, he purchased two iPhone 12 cases in August 2022 and March 2023 and paid $365 for phone repairs.
These devices are in addition to the Apple Watch, which was priced at $1,049, the iPad Pro with its keyboard, two Apple Pencils, and AirPods Pro headphones costing $329, all charged to the research budget supporting Laval’s elected officials.
Questioned by our Bureau of Investigation, Mr. Galati declined to clarify the necessity of owning four computers, two telephones, and three iPhone cases.
Despite the school board providing “Windows laptops” to every commissioner, Mr. Galati had requisitioned a MacBook in 2018 since it was his preferred choice, according to communications director Maxeen Jolin.
Mr. Galati, who did not respond to our direct calls, communicated via SMS that his secondary computer purchase in 2022 was made at the school’s expense based on a “recommendation” from the IT department.
However, further verification revealed that Mr. Galati had instead contacted the IT services to ascertain whether the MacBook Pro he intended to buy would be compatible with the school board’s computer systems. “These were technical questions,” Mr. Copeman stated. Mr. Galati did not provide an explanation regarding the failure to return the initial computer in 2022.
Regarding his two cell phones, both the City and the school board reimburse him for a telephone line, yet Galati appears to consistently use the same number for both his municipal and school board roles.
Following the emergence of revelations concerning his City-related expenses, Mr. Galati declared his withdrawal from the opposition party Action Laval and confirmed he would not seek the presidency in the school elections set for November.
The two MacBook Pros were formally returned to the school board on September 24, while the iPhone is scheduled for return upon the new president’s assumption of office in November, as confirmed by Ms. Jolin.
Do you have any information to share with us about this story?
Write to us at or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.
### Interview with Paolo Galati: A Closer Look at Recent Controversies
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Galati. Your recent expenditures on Apple devices have raised a lot of eyebrows. Can you clarify why you felt it was necessary to spend over $6,000 on these products using public funds?
**Paolo Galati:** Thank you for having me. I understand the concerns raised by the public. My intention was to utilize technology that would enhance my productivity as a councilor. However, I acknowledge that my actions sparked controversy and I take full responsibility.
**Interviewer:** Some reports indicate that the purchases lacked prior approval from the school board management. How do you respond to critics who say this represents a serious mismanagement of public funds?
**Paolo Galati:** I realize that proper protocol wasn’t followed in this instance, and I should have sought approval beforehand. I can assure you that there was no ill intent; I believed these purchases were aligned with the needs of my role. However, I now understand the importance of adhering to protocols in managing public resources.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that your IT department recommended a new computer. Can you explain why you didn’t return the previous one instead of making new purchases?
**Paolo Galati:** That’s a fair question. At the time, I believed that my work requirements necessitated additional technology. In hindsight, it may have been more prudent to reconsider my current inventory before making additional purchases.
**Interviewer:** Following the backlash, you’ve decided to step back from your opposition party and not run for re-election. Was this a decision made out of concern for your reputation or the community’s trust?
**Paolo Galati:** It was a combination of both. I care deeply about serving my community, and I felt that it would be best to take a step back to allow them to focus on more pressing issues. It was also important to me to reaffirm trust in local government and the responsible use of public funds.
**Interviewer:** what message would you like to convey to the public regarding your use of taxpayer money and the upcoming return of the devices?
**Paolo Galati:** I want to assure the public that I am returning the devices and have learned an important lesson from this experience. Public funds should be treated with the utmost respect and care, and I am committed to being more vigilant in my duties moving forward. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your candid answers, Mr. Galati. We appreciate your willingness to address these important issues.
**Paolo Galati:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to speak about this matter.
