Letter: O’Callaghan was Nevada treasure, role model for all

Monday, March 8, 2004 | 9 a.m.

As we look at the immeasurable, positive legacy of Gov. Mike O'Callaghan, I would like to mention two of his many accomplishments in this state.

When he was governor, he made it a priority to remove the sales tax on food and he did it. During that same time, consumers were not allowed to get prescription drug price information by calling a pharmacy. One had to traipse from place to place to compare prices -- not a practical thing to do, at all.

Because of this secrecy, some medications had variations as high as 300 percent, depending on where one shopped. Gov. O'Callaghan made it possible for consumers to get prescription drug price information by phone.

So many people have benefited from the ongoing good work of this caring man. He was a Nevada treasure who was a role model for all of us.

PATRICIA VAN BETTEN

Editor's note: The writer is a registered nurse and during the 1970s was active in the Consumers League of Nevada.

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