Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Some of the people who guided Henderson in its first 50 years

Friday, April 25, 2003 | 3:48 a.m.

Editor's note: Henderson is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week with a parade, chili cook-off and other events. Mike O'Callaghan looks back at Henderson's history of elected leadership.

There's no doubt in my mind that the late state Sen. James I. Gibson was the dominant political figure for and from Henderson during the first four decades of the city's history. In Carson City Jim was Mr. Henderson, but he never forgot his role as the man who saw the state's problems of equal importance. This attitude gained him strength as both an assemblyman and as a senator. He was trusted by fellow legislators and every governor he served with from 1959 through 1987.

It wasn't until recent years, with the rise of Henderson's Assemblyman Richard Perkins to the powerful post of speaker, that the city had such power and prestige in Carson City. Perkins' quiet demeanor and vast knowledge reminds many Nevadans of the late senator.

Another man from Henderson, Hal Smith, also served several years both as an assemblyman and senator. His ability and personal integrity gave him high marks as a man who got things done. It was much of his skill that helped bring our slot tax dollars back from Washington to be used for Nevada's schools. Even when not in public office, Smith and his wife, Tina, were strong supporters of the schools attended by their children in Henderson. Smith, like Gibson, served during World War II as an officer in the Navy.

Jack Jeffrey, who served as a Henderson city councilman before being elected to the Assembly, also made his mark in Carson City. Jeffrey, like his friend Assemblyman Danny Thompson, also from Henderson, never forgot his roots as a workingman. Both men reached positions of power in the Legislature and used their power to help Henderson and working people over the entire Silver State.

Henderson's first two-term mayor, Bill Byrne, served in the Assembly for four years before seeking and gaining the position of mayor in 1957. Bill was an old time politician who knew how to gain power and use it. One time it didn't work when, as mayor, he wrote Gov. Grant Sawyer a long letter demanding I be fired as Nevada's first director of health and welfare. My state health officer had made a ruling that irritated the mayor and I had backed up his decision. Nevertheless, he ran a tight ship during those years in what was then a very small town.

Henderson didn't have another two-term mayor until Lorna Kesterson was elected in 1985. Before that, Lorin Williams served six years leading Henderson. Both Williams and Kesterson were outstanding public servants who contributed to the making of Nevada's second largest city. Actually several one-term mayors did good work in helping the city move forward. Mayors Estes McDoniel, Bob Hampton, Cruz Olague, LeRoy Zike and Robert Groesbeck all played important roles in guiding Henderson into the future.

James B. Gibson, the son of the late senator, is now serving his second term as mayor. His accomplishments may eventually mark him as one of the outstanding leaders of any Nevada city since statehood was achieved.

The city's long list of good mayors has usually been supported by strong City Council members. Two of the most colorful council members who I can recall were Bob Kesterson and Bill Mainor. Both men expressed their opinions and were fearless when challenged. Mainor's soft southern drawl and size were deceiving because there was a tiger in that little body. Kesterson, a big man, was a deep thinker and only raised his voice when be believed the council was straying from the issue being discussed.

The city was 10 years old before the first woman served on the council. IdaBelle Riggins elected in 1963 served well as did Lorna Kesterson and appointee Margaret Lomprey who came aboard in 1975. Kesterson later broke the glass ceiling when becoming Henderson's first woman mayor. During Lorna's first term as mayor, Charlotte Yakubik was elected to the City Council.

Henderson has profited from a long list of men and women who have been willing to serve in city hall and Carson City. All of the city's success as a great place to call home hasn't been pure luck. Much energy and sweat has been expended by those willing to serve.