Letter: O’Callaghan’s leadership made impression

Monday, March 29, 2004 | 9:27 a.m.

In those days, someone appropriated money for key chains with the seal of the "Great State of Nevada" on one side and the inscription, "Governor Mike O'Callaghan" on the other. It was a very warm spring day and Mike was in Henderson for the annual Industrial Days celebration.

I was among the spectators at one of the events, the carnival or the talent show. I fought the crowd around Mike to meet him. I must have been 6 or 7. He smiled and gave me a key chain. I still remember that smile.

He was my governor when I was growing up. He was governor when I learned about civics at Burkholder Junior High School and traveled to Carson City to see the Legislature. He was my governor when I developed a love of politics and leadership growing up in the 1970s in Henderson.

Today, I teach social studies and law at Basic High School. I study political affairs and professional leadership. I am one of those saying "Me too!" from the March 9 editorial cartoon by the Sun's Mike Smith. Whether it was because of what Gov. Mike wrote, said or did, anyone who was raised in Nevada was influenced by him.

Perhaps it was that simple key chain that became my good luck charm. Today, and forever, Mike O'Callaghan will be my governor. I still have that key chain.

CHRISTOPHER J. MAESTAS