Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Omission noted on power list

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2002 | 8:24 a.m.

Here today. Gone tomorrow.

That could be the title of a book featuring the men and women who have shaped the destiny of our state, particularly Clark County.

The latest issue of Las Vegas Life magazine took on the task of naming the men and women who could be considered the leaders in today's society.

I can't even remember how many such lists I have seen in the past 50 years or so. I even recall having had a vote in the selections at various times in my career.

Choosing power brokers is an unenviable task. Someone always gets left off the list, and often an undeserved individual receives the blessing of the nominators.

In general, I would agree with the Las Vegas Life selections.

But it overlooked an individual whose influence is felt, not only today but for many years past, on the local, state and national scene.

I suppose one has to be close to former Gov. Mike O'Callaghan to be aware of his extraordinary characteristics of leadership.

Through my years of association with O'Callaghan, I have watched steady lines of politicians, businessmen, military officials, educators, journalists and community leaders come to him for advice and counsel.

I would wager more than two thirds of Las Vegas Life's chosen ones have spent time with O'Callaghan, seeking his input on political and social matters.

Not too much is public knowledge about his ongoing service to his country, because he is not one to discuss such matters. To this day he is considered by Washington insiders as a man to be trusted and one they can call on in sensitive situations.

Whether it is a high-ranking official, a military bigwig or an ordinary citizen, Mike O'Callaghan never hesitates to offer counsel and assistance. I believe much of his power flows from the many contacts and friendships he has collected during the years. It is truly amazing how he can reach for the phone and, often, with one call help resolve problems.

Las Vegas Life (which is owned by Greenspun Media Group, owners of the Las Vegas Sun) missed the boat on this one. Mike O'Callaghan belongs on any list of influential community leaders.

In fact, he would be my choice as No. 1 in outstanding achievement, compassionate leadership and judicial use of power, not just today but for the past 50 years or so.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas football coach and Athletic Director John Robinson could take a tip from his counterpart, Chris Ault of the University of Nevada, Reno. In 1991 Ault's Nevada team overcame a 42-14 halftime deficit to post one of the greatest comebacks in NCAA history.

UNR, after a disastrous first half, won 55-49 against Weber State.

Here's what Ault told his staff and team at halftime:

"We aren't going to talk about Xs and Os, we are talking about pride. We have embarrassed our program and we have embarrassed ourselves. You have to decide if you are willing to reach deep down inside to make it a game in the second half. That was what had always separated us from everyone else over the years -- that we were Wolf Pack football and we were special.

"Pride and mental toughness has always mattered to the Wolf Pack."