As a long-time Drazwatcher, I'm not surprised that State Representative Steve Drazkowski was named "Best Villain--2011." He's been working overtime, what with proposals to chop down walnut trees in two state parks, eliminate the Pay Equity Act, make English the official language while forcing those seeking public assistance to pay for the privilege of peeing in a cup.
In our hearts this title will always belong to Michele Bachmann. But we're going to retire her jersey this year to make room for some new talent: Rep. Steve Drazkowski, a hot new prospect out of Mazeppa. Drazkowski first made waves last year by calling for an Arizona-style immigration law in Minnesota. Since then he's shown the kind of hustle you'd expect from our best villain, sponsoring laws that would make English the only official language, require welfare recipients to submit to humiliating drug tests, and repeal the Pay Equity Act, which makes sure local governments don't pay women less than men for the same work. He's no Bachmann, but the kid is just getting started. Also, his nickname, "Draz," has great villain potential, if he can come up with a good epithet. "Draz the Destroyer?" "Draz the Merciless?" Suggestions welcome.
But even the crack City Pages staff can't track down all the wonders that mark life in Drazistan, especially those writers released into the wilds of Minnesota after getting their fancy east coast j-school degrees.
So in no particular order, some little known Drazkowski moments:
- Burned several pairs of his fourteen-year-old daughter's underwear because he thought they were provocative (Draz and the daughter are now totally reconciled)
- Accused Steve Murphy of taking PAC money from Barbra Streisand (friends heard it at this debate)
- Discussed --in a meeting in Goodhue County-- repealing mandate that requires sheriff's department to deal with unlicensed wild animals (even though the sheriff reminded him that the cost was accrued because those wild animals were people-mauling tigers)
- Defended puppy mills
- Introduced legislation to end food inspections of institutional kitchens and stands used for fundraisers (the WDN said it might promote dysentery)
Surely, readers have more. Help some poor city kids out and post additional precious moments in the comments (they are moderated, so pleased document the story) to help the CP out.
Image: And hop over to Tild's place to get your own Drazombie Easter Bunny. View the original here.
Being totally against government, unless it is the $30M to build the infrastructure for a giant biomedical development in his district! Which still has not materialized!
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/03/12/elkrun_anncment/
http://www.elkrun.info/bioBusinessPark.php
Posted by: Hazel Stone | Apr 19, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Sorry, $40 million.
"The Elk Run interchange is a $40 million to $45 million taxpayer-funded project."
http://www.medcitynews.com/2011/04/no-building-stands-yet-on-elk-run-property-yet-interchange-is-on-schedule/
Posted by: Hazel Stone | Apr 19, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Don't forget replacing group home workers with baby monitors!
Posted by: Geri | Apr 19, 2011 at 05:24 PM
Sounds as if Draz is "getting to you." He has the guts to do what others only talk about. Wonder if you will post this or if all posts must agree with you!! We'll see!
Bluestem replies: You lose.
And standard though empty conservative talking point about figures of ridicule "getting to" someone. However, it may be a mirror for your own trolling of this site with vapid insults.
Posted by: Tommi Rocko | Apr 19, 2011 at 05:57 PM
He's certainly "getting to" millions of my tax dollars!
Posted by: Hazel Stone | Apr 19, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Tommi, your GOP lege pals have been cutting taxes like crazy back to when Tim Pawlenty ran the House in the late '90s. Tell NARNie Mitch to give you a new talking point, one based in reality this time.
Posted by: Phoenix Woman | Apr 23, 2011 at 10:31 AM