Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

TV anchorman takes over county position

KLAS Channel 8 anchorman Tom Warden will replace Vicki Taylor as the county's media relations liaison as of June 3.

The longtime broadcaster was picked by County Manager Pat Shalmy Wednesday after interviewing several potential candidates.

"I hadn't made up my mind by lunch," Shalmy said, but decided to hire Warden after meeting with him a second time Wednesday afternoon. "That's the way I like to do things, make a decision before it gets out of control."

Shalmy said Warden impressed him "with his abilities and background, his knowledge of the community, the issues. We talked in detail about what I expect in the job, and his responses were good."

"I've bounced around many times in this profession," Warden said, "and making the decision to leave Channel 8 is without question the toughest decision I've ever had to make."

Commissioners said they were sad to lose Taylor, but looked forward to working with Warden. Because the position is exempt, it doesn't require the board's approval.

"I think he'll be great," Commission Chairwoman Yvonne Atkinson Gates said. "He's an experienced journalist who knows about government. He's covered us on many occasions, and now the shoe is on the other foot."

Commissioner Lorraine Hunt called Taylor a "dynamite gal who has done a lot for this community. I'm sure she won't let the grass grow under her feet."

After five years as assistant to the county manager, Taylor is leaving May 1 to pursue a public relations career and spend more time with her family. Her salary was $82,000.

Sources said Taylor was pitted between commissioners and administrators over expansion of the community outreach program initiated by board members last year. Her timing puzzled commissioners, who had just won her three new staff positions for next year and had talked her out of quitting two months ago.

The job duties will be the same for Warden, with an emphasis on community outreach and television production for the government access channel on Prime Cable. Shalmy said Warden's 15 years in broadcasting was an important factor in deciding to hire him.

Warden came from Boston to Las Vegas seven years ago to launch Channel 8's morning show. He currently anchors the noon program and heads up the station's investigative reporting efforts.

Warden will join the county June 3 at a salary of $70,000 -- more than he currently makes.

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