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By JOHN GOOLRICK
There may have been an appropriate spot in the administration of Gov. L. Douglas Wilder for young Laura Dillard, but it wasn’t as press secretary.
She served in that capacity from Gov. Wilder’s inauguration in January, 1990 to Thursday, Aug. 15 of this year when, after she had announced plans to leave Aug. 23, Gov. Wilder told her to pack up her things and leave immediately.
While Ms. Dillard, 26, had no journalistic background and was lightly regarded by the press corps she served, the fact she was put in that particular position is more of a reflection on Gov. Wilder than on her.
Other than the governor, the press secretary is the most visible symbol of an administration. He or she has to constantly explain in detail and defend the governor’s programs and actions, whatever they are. The job, if done well, takes someone who first knows the job description, is familiar with how the media operates, is comfortable with the boss and can provide sound, well-informed advice on media relations.
Ms. Dillard, a graduate of the College of William and Mary, was a divinity student at Yale University when she dropped out to serve as Gov. Wilder's press secretary during his campaign. Before that, she had been an intern in Gov. Wilder’s office when he was lieutenant governor.
Given the $65,000 a year prestigious job of gubernatorial press sec
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