Ronald Reagan

In an era of pessimistic articles about the presidency and national leadership, it was refreshing to read Mike Downey’s tribute to Ronald Reagan (Aug. 20).

As a kid recently graduated from Fresno State College (now Cal State Fresno), I went to work as an accredited television-radio reporter in the state Capitol in 1966. My editors assigned me to cover Ronald Reagan’s campaign for governor because he was a B-grade movie actor with no hope of defeating Gov. Edmund G. Brown Sr.

As I watched Reagan speak at rallies and events, he had a certain magic in both what he said and how he said it. Reagan was gracious in both one-on-one conversations and in public speeches. He had a core of beliefs and could often state his case without animosity or rancor. He could disarm his enemies with his charm and defuse tense situations.

It is profoundly sad to know that President Reagan is still alive but unable to communicate with those who adored him through the years. Reagan had the class and dignity and will always be a great man to my family and me. I am grateful that Assemblyman Tony Strickland is making possible the opportunity to purchase a license plate with Reagan’s face on it--this will be a permanent memorial to a great guy.

GARY L. WASHBURN

Chatsworth

* Re special license plates being approved for former Gov. Reagan, Aug. 25: I would like to suggest that plates be made available for former Govs. Earl Warren and Pat Brown, who are probably the two best governors this state has experienced.

SANFORD DuROFF

Tarzana