Where I Stand: Nevada’s Jean Ford and other Silver State treasures

Monday, Nov. 3, 1997 | 10:14 a.m.

THEY HONORED JEAN FORD in Carson City a couple of weeks ago, and it was an earned tribute. She's suffering from terminal cancer but is carrying on doing the good works for which she has become so famous. As director of the Nevada Women's History Project, she is tying up the loose ends. She told a Reno Gazette-Journal reporter, "I feel fortunate to have this window of time where I can bring to closure a lot of things, including my work, and to have time with my friends and family."

When Jean Ford came to the Nevada Assembly 25 years ago, it took but a short period of time for her to gain attention. Both as an assemblywoman and later as a senator, she worked successfully to protect our environment. As governor, I could always count on her leadership abilities to promote legislation for open meetings, state parks, education and the protection of women, children and the handicapped.

After leaving Carson City and coming to the SUN, I wrote the following in 1981.

"Sen. Jean Ford refused to participate in the most recent Sagebrush resolution that calls for Congress to hand over unused federal lands to the state. She refused to participate in that nonsense until the state is in a position to manage the additional millions of acres.

"Maybe Jean knew something that her colleagues had not learned. The same day that she voted against the resolution, the legislators of Arizona were reading a report from their state university. The report read, 'The economic benefits of the Sagebrush Rebellion may be substantially less in Arizona than in a number of other Western states.' It went on to question the wisdom of the land acquisition by going as far as saying it could possibly even have negative effects."

Jean Ford has truly become a Silver State treasure. Her good works have touched all of our lives.

Howard Wasden Elementary School celebrated Nevada Day again last week. This is the 11th annual celebration, and this year it was dedicated to "Unforgettable Nevada." Fourth-grade pupils Michael Rashmir and his buddy David Fry were my hosts at the school celebration. Chelsea Cline hosted Barbara Greenspun and Michelle Ashley escorted Ruthe Deskin. Michael's handwritten invitation came to me as follows:

"Unforgettable Nevada

Now playing

Free show

On October 29th at 1:45

RSVP ASAP

Get to meet the Wasden stars and

Eat cake

Together we celebrate a

Tradition

A legacy

Be a part of the

Learning and let us

Entertain you!

Unforgettably yours,

Michael Rashmir

P.S. I will be eagerly waiting your 'unforgettable' reply."

Yes, we all attended and had a great time with dozens of other Nevadans. Howard Wasden, as in past years, was also in attendance. So was Paula Francis, the bright and articulate "news lady" from TV-8, and Family Court Judge Fran Fine with their student escorts.

"A Salute to White Pine's Gold Stars" is must reading for any person who was raised in that county or has interest in the strong backbone rural Nevada has provided the Silver State. The book contains interesting stories about the 124 men from the Ely area who died in combat during our five wars since 1898. The book brings all of them back to life as local boys and fighting men. Ely Gift Boutique, 742 Aultman St., Ely (702) 289-8780, has them for sale at $10 each with a $2.50 mailing charge that can cover as many as three books sent to the same address. This is truly raw Nevada history at its best, which gives insight into the life and thinking of the people of our eastern counties. ...

Why are people so concerned about the Las Vegas City Council adding another 300-room tower to a hotel-casino in a Summerlin neighborhood? This only made them a little bit pregnant. ... Paul Lowden, a Summerlin resident, won't find the Henderson City Council as easy to convince that his planned casino for a mall in that city is such a good idea. ... Suzanne Thomas did her usual great job of putting on the Governor's Awards Dinner to honor Nevada's disabled employees and outstanding employers. Bonnie Bryan, wife of Sen. Richard Bryan, graciously presented the awards. ...

The Las Vegas Sons of Erin are having a fund-raiser Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Gold Coast Hotel Grand Ballroom. $15 a ticket with plenty of entertainment. Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald will be the honoree. Call Tim Brady for tickets, 734-5684. Erin Go Bragh!