(Thomas Mitchell | Facebook) – I recall the man we all referred to as Dick Bryan as one of the more humble and soft spoken politicians we interviewed at newspaper editorial boards over the decades.
This is reflected in his biography penned in the first-person with the able assistance in writing and research of lifelong Nevadan and longtime writer John L. Smith, a longtime friend and co-worker of mine.
It is filled with incredible detail as to deeds and personalities, many of whom will be familiar names to longtime Nevadans.
The book recounts Democrat Bryan’s extraordinary achievements: From graduating Las Vegas High School and the University of Nevada, Reno, serving in the Army and Army reserves, earning a law degree, serving as a deputy district attorney and public defender in Clark County to his elections and terms of office in the Nevada Assembly, the Nevada Senate, as Nevada Attorney General, Nevada Governor and U.S. Senator for two terms.
Bryan, 87, expresses a rightful proudness of his accomplishments, such as fighting against establishing a high-level nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain, working for protection of public lands, economic development and advancing the careers of women.
Toward the end of the book Bryan offers what best describes his perspective on life and especially political life:
“Thomas Jefferson, near the end of his life, reportedly was asked how he would like to be remembered. And he replied, ‘As the author of the Declaration of Independence, the author of the Statute of Religious Freedom for Virginia, and the founder of the University of Virginia,’
‘What about serving as president of the United States, as governor of Virginia, and as America’s first secretary of state?’ he was asked,
His response, ‘I’d rather be remembered for what I gave others rather than what others gave to me,’
I am often asked, ‘How would you like to be remembered?’ I hope it may be said that I was an honest man who worked hard in each of the public positions I held. Although I wasn’t always successful, I always tried to do the right thing.”
He tried to do the right thing. That is illustrated in page after page.
He also gave credit where credit is due.
In his acknowledgments he wrote:
“Finally, without the help of John L. Smith this book would not have been possible. Writing a book is not easy, as I soon found out. John helped guide me through each step of the process.
He was a skillful writer and superb researcher, and as a native Nevadan brought a strong understanding of the state’s history. Most of all, I appreciate his patience during our journey.”
He also gave ample credit to his late-wife Bonnie.
This is no page-turner, but it offers a remarkable and insightful perspective on a decades-long segment of Nevada history and politics.
Mr. Mitchell is a former editor for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views.
