Autograph Hound

Derrick Lee is the most powerful political figure you've never heard of

A A A Comments By Amy Silverman Thursday, Apr 13 2000

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In jeans and a faded polo shirt, at first glance Lee mixes in with the circulators waiting to collect checks. Lee points to brochures posted on the wall advertising a women's expo and some festivals this weekend and says to one guy, "Work these events this weekend, man!"

"If Mother Nature lets me," the man replies.

Derrick Lee: "I was really rude to people [who circulated petitions] before I ever went out and gathered."

Casey McKee

Derrick Lee: "I was really rude to people [who circulated petitions] before I ever went out and gathered."

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"No excuses!" Lee says, an obvious mock threat. He gets along with these guys, who tease him about his newly streaked hair. He tells them he used to be a punk rocker. Close to the truth, he says; he used to play guitar in a band. As the day wears on, someone says something about needing a drink.

"I don't drink," Lee replies. "I should, but I don't."

Lee's Mormon. Is he religious? "Yeah, I guess. I try to be."

He says his religion guides him in choosing which initiatives he'll take on. He gives himself a lot of leeway, saying the only two issues he absolutely won't do are pro-abortion and pro-right to die.

Ultimately, Lee says, he's only putting the measures on the ballot.

"The people have a right to vote on this stuff. Put it before the voters and let the voters vote their conscience. Who am I to try to decide whether a person should vote on it or not vote on it?"

Contact Amy Silverman at 602-229-8443 or online at amy.silverman@newtimes.com