Columnist Ruthe Deskin: A tribute to Bryan’s career

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001 | 8:49 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@lasvegassun.com

For 36 years Sen. Richard Bryan has been looking after my interests. It's time to say thank you to Nevada's retiring U.S. senator.

Richard Bryan was a born leader. As a kid growing up in the Huntridge area he showed, very early, that he was destined for a career in politics.

At Las Vegas High School and the University of Nevada, Reno, he was a student leader, well-liked and respected by his peers.

After a stint in the Army, Bryan served in the public defender's office, as a deputy district attorney, assemblyman, state senator, attorney general and governor, then capped it with two terms in the U.S. Senate.

He did it all with a degree of integrity that kept him beyond reproach.

Basically a decent, honest person, Bryan reflected those qualities in his public service. He is a credit to Nevada, a friend to treasure and a man of dignity.

He also had the good sense to choose as his life's partner the lovely Bonnie, whose presence at his side through his years in office has ensured a legacy of esteem for both.

Nevada's youth could have no better role models than Richard and Bonnie Bryan.

Apparently I am not the only person annoyed by unwanted phone calls, if response to a recent column on that subject is any indication.

Reader Jackie Montz might have found a solution.

When she called a relative in Minnesota recently, the phone was answered by a recording that explained that this household does not accept calls from solicitors.

It then instructed the caller to hang up immediately if it was a solicitor.

If not, stay on the line. Montz did and in a few seconds the phone rang again and was answered by her friend.

Impressed, she inquired about the service and was told it cost about $6 per month through her phone company, U.S. West.

Eager to sign on if such a service were available locally, she called Sprint. The best it could do was offer caller ID, which didn't solve her problem.

At least we know someone is working on it.

Weather experts have proclaimed November and December as the coldest in U.S. history. Nevada is one of only five states reporting near normal temperatures.

What ever happened to global warming?

We would hope state officials will take a hard look at the California electric crisis before plunging into deregulation.

Wise words from a Sun reader:

"Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have -- so spend it wisely."