Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Las Vegas campaign misleading

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003 | 8:17 a.m.

Pull out all the stops. Full speed ahead. Las Vegas is seeking a new title: Sexiest City in the World.

"What happens here, stays here," is the new philosophy as the city attempts an image change.

I'm not the least bit impressed.

As Strip shows become more bodacious and bold, I am reminded of the first time bare-bosomed showgirls were introduced in Strip extravaganzas. We were shocked as outsiders described Las Vegas as "Sin City." We retaliated with stories from the old Las Vegas News Bureau about the many churches in Las Vegas.

We've gone through several stages, including Entertainment Capital of the World, sports capital and fun for the family.

The latest move to encourage all kinds of hedonistic behavior with the promise that no one will ever know could backfire.

I recall a rather innocent publicity stunt the late Art Force and I concocted for the Last Frontier hotel.

We hired a photographer to mingle with our guests, and with their permission take pictures to be sent to hometown newspapers.

Captions read something like, "Mr. and Mrs. Adams shown at the Last Frontier hotel pool as they vacation in Las Vegas."

The project was a hit until one day our boss called us in and asked, "How did this happen?"

He showed us a letter from a former guest whose "Mr. and Mrs." picture appeared in his hometown newspaper.

The problem was, it wasn't his Mrs.

That put a hasty end to our publicity program.

If Las Vegas visitors today come to seek a little bit of sinful fun, don't count on the new slogan, "What happens here, stays here."

If County Commission Chairwoman Mary Kincaid-Chauncey needs my help, she has it. Until I am proven wrong, which I don't think will happen, my faith is in Kincaid-Chauncey.

Mary has been a part of my family since she was in high school. As one of my daughter's closest friends, she spent many hours in our home.

If there is a straight arrow in government, it is Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, and I can't believe she would consciously do wrong.

I would advise her to stick with the principles she has followed all of her life. She has many supporters who believe in her honesty and integrity.

Oct. 31 is a memorable day in Nevada history. It was on that day, in 1864, that President Lincoln issued the proclamation declaring Nevada the 36th member of the United States of America.

It wasn't until 1904 that J.T. McWilliams established the first town site in what is now west Las Vegas.

May 15, 1905, however, is the generally accepted date for Las Vegas' birth, when railroad lots were auctioned off to hardy pioneers who dreamed of a rosy future for the town.

Las Vegas is an amazing example of quick growth. In 1910 the population was 945. Today the valley's population is well over a million, and as Las Vegas grows, Nevada grows. On Nevada Day, do yourself a favor and read some of the turbulent history of this place we call home.