By Robert J. McCarthy
You never know who's going to show up at a fundraising event for Mayor Byron W. Brown.
It might even be old arch-enemy Carl P. Paladino.
The 2010 Republican candidate for governor attended the Wednesday evening affair at Pettibone's Grille that netted the mayor's already brimming campaign coffers another $50,000 -- according to informed sources.
That included $100 from Paladino, who has helped bankroll more than one Brown opponent over the years but who is enjoying warmer relations with City Hall these days.
Paladino says it's "no big deal."
"I saw a party being thrown by my friends the Comerford brothers and thought I'd go in and see what was going on," he cracked, "just to be social."
But didn't it cost you $100, Carl?
"I spend more than that at Mother's Bakery for dinner," he answered.
One source said Paladino administered one of his trademark bear hugs to the mayor, however, in a definite sign that Brown may not be a candidate for the next Paladino billboard along the Niagara Thruway.
