Editorial: School district’s Willis public relations master

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1999 | 9:32 a.m.

To say that Las Vegas is overrun with public relations people is an understatement. Many either lack the knowledge to serve as competent spokesmen for the clients they represent or are downright uncooperative with the media. There are also those who are a credit to their profession.

One such individual is Ray Willis, who unfortunately announced his resignation as spokesman for the Clark County School District to become assistant superintendent of communications with the Yonkers, N.Y., school district. Since joining the local school district 21 years ago Willis was noted for his accessibility and candor. Unlike other spokesmen in town, he did not duck tough questions by responding with "no comments."

The mark of truly competent spokesmen is the way they handle difficult questions without losing their cool. It would have been very easy for Willis to have been defensive about constantly fielding questions on Nevada's high school dropout rate, which is one of the worst in the nation. Willis always gave thoughtful responses, such as his comment earlier this year that the school district competes with the local job market for students.

Willis was also forthright on topics ranging from campus violence to a former teacher facing sex charges. Other spokesmen in town would do well to follow his example. We will miss Willis and wish him well in his new position.