TONY GRAY

State Representative Rene Oliveira is a formidable political force in own right, but he added to his aura of invincibility two decades ago when he recruited Brownsville Herald columnist Tony Gray to his staff. If Oliveira appears distant at times, Gray is the life of the party.

"Always buy the first round," Gray advises the new arrivals to Austin who are trying to make inroads among the ruling elite. "Nobody forgets who contributed initially to the fun."

Listening to Gray work the phone is an art form in itself. As a journalist and a waiter, he didn't have to carry a note pad. His listening skills are second to none. During his distinguished careers in both endeavors he never misquoted a subject nor brought the wrong order. We sat across from him as he parried with one of the state rep's constituents during a brief stay in Brownsville:

"State Representative Rene Oliveira's office. Tony Gray speaking...I'm doing very well, thank-you. And you, sir...I can get you that information within the day. What is your e-mail and fax number...Very good...Got it...We can get that to you right away...Yes...Yes...Okay...You are completely right...They have an absolute majority...I sympathize with your concerns...I couldn't agree with you more...We need to be more vigilant and more vocal...Rene has been doing that for years...A million times yes. It is an assault on some of the finest professionals in our state...Exactly...Anytime...On the contrary. We're hear to answer all your questions...Have a good day, sir."