Deukmejian Razzed for Laying ‘Biggest Egg’

Gov. George Deukmejian was the recipient of a tongue-in-cheek political razzing Thursday when a Democratic legislator awarded him the “Pullet Surprize” as the official who has “laid the biggest egg in state government.”

Bombastic Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (D-Hawthorne), the creator of the “first annual” award, selected Deukmejian as the winner over 32 other “nominees”--all Deukmejian appointees who have come under fire during the first three years of the governor’s administration.

Deukmejian, who did not attend the luncheon awards ceremony or pick up his two-foot-tall trophy, was reported by press secretary Larry Thomas to be “speechless.” Thomas called Floyd’s award “childish” and asserted, “It’s sad that the assemblyman doesn’t have anything better to do with his time.”

The flamboyant, cigar-smoking Floyd, known at the Capitol for his loud manner and irreverent sense of humor, staged the affair to call attention to alleged mistakes and misconduct by Deukmejian appointees as the governor gears up to run for reelection in 1986. Floyd said his goal is to “put all these rotten eggs in one basket.”

Two long tables designated for the 33 nominees sat empty as Floyd roasted the Administration for an audience of about 100 reporters, legislative staff members and hangers-on.

One nominee, Agricultural Labor Relations Board general counsel David Stirling, sent Floyd a letter questioning “who was egging you on in this fowl play. Possibly you have been cooped up in your roost too long, and it has scrambled your usual good temper.”

Deukmejian’s award was a two-foot-tall trophy with a huge white, Styrofoam egg on top. Floyd acknowledged that it bore a striking resemblance to his own bald pate and said, “It’s my self-portrait.”

The Republican governor was the winner of the grand prize, Floyd said, because he was responsible for actions of current and former subordinates that delayed the state prison construction program, forced the state disability insurance system to borrow money to stay solvent, has delayed cleanup of toxic wastes and caused long waits for motorists seeking to renew licenses or register vehicles.

Floyd also picked on individuals accused of misconduct, including Herbert Clayton, who was convicted of stealing $67,500 from Office of Economic Opportunity funds he administered, former Veterans Affairs Director Andres E. Mendez, who was fired after it was discovered that he had pocketed Deukmejian campaign contributions, and General Services Director William J. (Tony) Anthony, who was formally admonished for improperly billing taxpayers for travel and meals.

Floyd quipped to reporters that Clayton, who is serving time in prison on the theft charge, “is the one guy who would have loved to have been here.”

Smaller awards were given to half a dozen officials. For example, Department of Corrections Director Daniel McCarthy received the “Who Cares It’s Not My Money” award because of delays and cost overruns in the prison building program.

Stirling received the “Sour Grapes” award because of his attacks on United Farm Workers leader Cesar Chavez over the unions’ latest grape boycott.

And Department of Motor Vehicles Director George E. Meese received the “Phantom Director” award because of his low public profile.

None of the three could be reached for comment.