INTERVIEWS

1. WHAT IS YOUR FIRST THOUGHT OF THE DAY?

Rather than a thought, it’s instead the attitude with which I start my day. With great enthusiasm because I have the great fortune to very much enjoy what I do. To serve my country as Ambassador to Mexico professionally fills me with satisfaction.

2. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD LIKE? WHAT DID LITTLE TONY GARZA PLAY? HOW MANY BROTHERS DID YOU HAVE? WHAT ARE YOUR WARMEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES?

It was a great childhood. I was a very active child, very much into sports, and I thoroughly enjoyed open air activities. I had an older sister, DeAnna, who passed away two years ago, and I have a younger brother, Nick, with whom I get along very well. My mother died when I was 13. Before that she encouraged us to read, to be curious about our surroundings, and would take us to all kinds of activities so we would develop a liking for each one of the beautiful things life has to offer. Among the great memories I have, I remember the great love and dedication our father devoted to us once my mother was no longer with us. I have warm memories of the hours we would spend together after dinner; it was quality and quantity time for the family. I had the great fortune of having extraordinary parents. My mother, knowing she was ill, made a point of laying out the type of people she wanted us to be. She was like the architect drawing a blueprint, and my father was like the contractor who makes sure the blueprint turns into something real, into a finished product.

3. WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE IN BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS, WHERE YOU WERE BORN? WHAT WAS THE BORDER WITH MEXICO LIKE IN THE 60’S? WHAT WERE THE MAIN PROBLEMS IN THOSE DAYS?

It was very different, without a doubt, and I’m not too sure we regarded it as a border. Nearly 40 per cent of my classmates came from Matamoros; we played together and would come and go over there on our bicycles or walking. I honestly don’t remember problems in those days, just like any other happy kid is unaware of any problem. It really was pretty quiet in the 60’s and 70’s. Starting in the 80’s it began turning into a more aggressive place to the point that it led us to the challenges we are now facing. I wouldn’t change having grown up on the border for anything. It was, without a doubt, the best laboratory for me to experiment how well we can coexist, and the challenges we face. I think it benefited me greatly in terms of vision, and by providing me an overview of what are now not only border issues, but also issues on the bilateral agenda.

4. WHICH LANGUAGE WAS SPOKEN AT HOME? ENGLISH, SPANISH OR BOTH? AND IF IT WAS ONLY ENGLISH, HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU LEARNED SPANISH?

We normally spoke Spanish at home, and it was basically after I started school, at 5, that I began to speak more in English. With my Tamaulipas friends, English or Spanish made no difference… the important thing was to communicate. As to when I “learned” Spanish, I’m sure that anyone hearing me speak will argue that I still haven’t learned!

5. YOU WERE IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL FROM KINDERGARDEN THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT WAS DISCIPLINE LIKE IN THOSE PLACES? WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE IRISH NUNS AND PRIESTS WHO RAN THOSE SCHOOLS? HOW DID YOUR STAY THERE MAKE AN IMPRINT ON YOU?

The Catholic upbringing I received in pre-school and grade school is a very important part of me. It taught me to appreciate all the rituals of being Catholic. In grade school attending mass was an everyday thing; I was even an altar boy. In secondary school I attended a Marist school, and I never forget the slogan of the Marist brothers where I studied: “Ad astra per aspera” which means “you reach the stars by overcoming adversity.” Discipline was strict in both; for instance, in grade school I can remember being led by my sideburns to the back of the room upon occasion. Later, in secondary school, it wasn’t by the sideburns but rather, when we misbehaved, we would be put up on a ring to box. Beside discipline, this upbringing always sought to make us understand that we were part of something bigger and deeper than ourselves, and that we should live life with a purpose. In religion class in secondary school, we would be told the lives of personalities such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez who led a life of service to their fellow men, all of them fighting for human rights. Cesar Chavez laid the path for migrants working in farms to have labor rights and equitable conditions. Everything I learned during that time is still a part of me, and it has been every day up until now.

6. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR FATHER OWNED A GAS STATION WHERE MOST CLIENTS WERE MEXICAN. WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF THAT PART OF YOUR LIFE? WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST RELATIONSHIP WITH MEXICO? WHEN DID YOU FIRST VISIT THIS COUNTRY? WHAT IMPRESSIONS DID IT LEAVE WITH YOU?

I have many memories of life with my father, not only the times I went with him to work, but of the time he spent with us, and how much he would talk with us. He died last year at 85 years of age, and not a day goes by without my thinking of him. My father always made sure that my relationship to Mexico was an ever-present thing, without having to emphasize it. When I was little the whole family traveled to Monterrey, San Miguel de Allende, San Luis and Mexico City. I, of course, enjoyed each trip very much; as a child and as a young man they were new places with plenty to discover. These were almost always car trips, so I was able to get a good look at the countryside and rural landscapes. As a law student I spent a whole summer in Guadalajara, and I have fond memories of taking “Flecha Amarilla,” “Flecha Roja” and “Estrella Blanca” buses and traveling throughout Mexico. I visited Oaxaca, Michoacan and many other places. In fact, I would travel three or four days a week; I think that semester I was a much better tourist than student! When I went into litigation practice I had Mexican clients. Now I live here. I can’t remember a period when Mexico wasn’t part of my life.

7. WHEN YOU WERE A BOY AND A TEENAGER, DID YOU OFTEN CROSS THE BORDER? IF YOU DID, WHAT DID YOU DO IN MEXICO? WERE YOU AWARE OF YOUR MEXICAN ROOTS?

Very often. We would go to Matamoros to play basketball, to swim, to play football, and we would cross over on our bicycles. As a young man, clubs and girls would get my attention. You had the impression that fun would be better and greater there than in Texas. In the 70’s and 80’s I would go bird hunting in ranches in the north of Mexico. Though I doubt you will find anyone more proud to be Texan than me, Mexico has always been a part of my life and will continue to be so.

8. HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FOUND OUT ABOUT MEXICANS MIGRATING TO THE UNITED STATES, AND KNOWN AS “WETBACKS,” “WIRE WALKERS (“ALAMBRISTAS” – BECAUSE THEY WOULD CROSS OVER THE BARBED WIRE THAT MARKED THE BORDER LINE IN THOSE DAYS), “ILLEGALS” OR “UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS?”

When I was 7 or 8, I would go play golf very close to the river. I would see people crossing the river, not on a bridge, to come work where I lived, and they would go back home in the afternoon. To me it was a very natural thing, to cross the river to work, and after a day’s work to go back home to the family. I never referred to them by nickname or adjectives, as a matter of fact that is something that irritates me, because they were always people in my eyes.

9. YOUR MOTHER DIED WHEN YOU WERE 13. HOW DID THAT UNFORTUNATE EVENT AFFECT YOU? HOW DID THE FAMILY DEAL WITH THAT LOSS?

My mother had cancer since I was 18 months old. DeAnna, my older sister, who also died of cancer, would tell us that when she was diagnosed with cancer, my mother’s wish was only to live long enough so that my newborn brother and I would remember her. She was an extraordinary woman, and I must confess that the impact of her death on me was not as great as was the impact of her life on mine. Through her I got to know and love reading, to be curious about everything that surrounds me, to enjoy what we have, and to learn to fight for what we long for. My mother was very devoted to us. I imagine she knew what was coming, so every day she would give us something to prepare us for life, to live it fully. Her leaving, of course, made us grieve, but that can’t be compared to all the good times, her enormous love, and the great teachings she gave me. When she died, my sister DeAnna said to me: “Tony, you are a lucky boy, now you don’t only have one guardian angel, but two!” And that’s how I’ve dealt with it, enriched, furthermore, by having had a father beyond comparison.

10. I UNDERSTAND YOU OWE YOUR LOVE OF BOOKS TO YOUR MOTHER. WHAT BOOKS DID YOU FIRST READ? WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER OF THEM? WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS?

When I was a child, just as other boys my generation, I loved reading about war heroes, athletes of the 40’s and 50’s. Later in life, I’ve enjoyed all kinds of reading, and being an eclectic reader I don’t tend to focus so much on authors, but I can mention among my favorites Garcia Marquez, Phillip Roth, Willie Morris and I find some of the poems by Octavio Paz to be very moving.

11. YOU HAVE A B.A. IN FINANCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS IN AUSTIN, AND YOU STUDIED LAW IN DALLAS. YOU WERE AN OUTSTANDING STUDENT AT BOTH UNIVERSITIES. HOW DO YOU REMEMBER THIS FORMATIVE PERIOD? DID YOU MAKE FRIENDS AMONG THE LATIN AND MEXICAN STUDENT COMMUNITY? WERE YOU LEFT WITH ANY PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE?

The University of Texas is one of the largest and best in the country. I always considered it a very liberal environment, in the best sense of the word, as there was a great diversity of ideas. It was a first-rate educational experience. I had grown up attending small schools, and now I found myself living with 50,000 classmates from throughout the country and the world. To this day, my college period has had a very important impact on my life. It broadened my vision of the world, and opened my eyes to greater possibilities. It was really during Law School at Methodist University in Dallas that I had the most contact with classmates from Latin America as well as the rest of the world, and we formed the Latin Law Student Association. I met Peruvians, Colombians, Argentineans, Venezuelans and, of course, Mexicans. Living with them taught me diverse ways of looking at our continent, and also allowed me to understand their various takes on my country. A most interesting and enriching experience.

12. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN POLITICS? IS TI TRUE THAT WHEN YOU WANTED TO BE A JUDGE IN CAMERON YOU KNOCKED ON THE DOORS OF ALL THE HOUSES IN THE COUNTY TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE NEIGHBORS? CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY?

When I started my campaign for country judge I was 27 years old. I was a young man full of energy, extremely focused, and I believed in myself. For nearly eight months I knocked on doors three hours a day Monday through Friday, and for six hours on weekends. I introduced myself to people and asked for their vote. At the time, the Democratic Party had run southern Texas for 150 years, and I could see how they had abused power, so that’s why I decided to run on a Republican ticket. At the end of the campaign I was elected, I became the youngest judge in history, and the first Republican in South Texas. From my tenure as a judge, which in my state also has the capacity to be the executive who manages the county budget, I have the satisfaction of having achieved a positive impact, and having pushed forward initiatives that resulted in water service, more and better health centers, and services for underprivileged communities.

13. BETWEEN 1999 AND 2002 YOU SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSION, LINKED TO THE ENERGY SECTOR IN TEXAS; THE BUDGET YOU HANDLED WAS 60 BILLION DOLLARS. WHAT EXPERIENCE DID YOU GAIN FROM THAT PERIOD?

It was quite a challenge. Like every politician, I had the responsibility of maintaining a balance between developing the policies of the Commission on the one hand, and satisfying the goals of the energy sector on the other. In particular, producers wanted to dig and produce without the least regard for natural resources. My vision of the care we need to give natural resources, particularly water, was decisive. There were controversial decisions, and the biggest challenge was to optimize resources to guarantee that future generations in Texas always have energy supplies as well as water.

14. HOW DID YOU BECOME FRIENDS AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATES WITH GEORGE W. BUSH SINCE BEFORE HE BECAME GOVERNOR OF TEXAS?

I met him through common friends in the mid 80’s when he owned the Rangers baseball team. A friendship with him and Laura was established and grew. In fact, from the early stages of his campaign I traveled with him during his tours, and we were together in a small group when his win was announced. A few days later he invited me to be part of his cabinet. I feel great affection, admiration and respect for him and for Laura, so I’ve been part of his government team, and we will be lifelong friends.

15. YOU ALSO WORKED WITH RICK PERRY, GOVERNOR OF TEXAS, WHO CHARGED YOU WITH HEADING THE BOARD OF THE 21ST CENTURY COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION. HOW IMPORTANT ARE POLICIES ON EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR AN ADMINISTRATOR?

Texas has always been a highly competitive state and, when it comes to education, it seeks to provide young people with a vision for the future. The Commission you mention carried out a study on the challenges of that moment and what was to come. It issued recommendations to the Governor about what we call “knowledge-based economy” that gave rise to certain policies. The University of Texas is currently committed to investing two billion dollars to draw the best professors, with the best knowledge in all disciplines, the most brilliant minds and, at the same time, to attract the best students in the globe so that, through this synergy, the best ideas will be developed and result in jobs and growth. A government that does not have the vision to invest in education, science and technology will not have the necessary opportunities to infuse its subjects with progress.

16. ON NOVEMBER 16, 2002, YOU PRESENTED YOUR CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT FOX AS NEW UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO MEXICO. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION WHEN YOU LEARNED YOU WERE TO UNDERTAKE SUCH AN IMPORTANT DIPLOMATIC POSITION?

Great joy, of course. Nearly seven years prior, Governor Bush visited President Zedillo in Mexico. I went with him on that trip, and I remember commenting: “If you should ever think of running for President, this (Mexico) is where I would most like to serve you and my country.” President Bush and I had talked at length about the importance Mexico has for our nation, and for me personally -- the fascination I’ve felt, since I can remember, for this country and its people, its culture and its history. He was also aware of the fact that I didn’t particularly want to be in Washington. When I got the appointment, I was still the head of the Texas Railroad Commission. I accepted gratefully, and with a commitment to rise to the level of the great mission with which I had been entrusted.

17. WHEN DID YOU BEGIN READING DAILY “EL FINANCIERO?” WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF ITS EDITORIAL POSITION? DID IT BRING ANYTHING TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACIVITY?

I started reading it in Texas in the ‘80’s, when it still had an English edition. Of course it enriched me, and broadened my view of the activity of markets in Mexico, trade trends, and the perceptions held of important instruments such as NAFTA.

18. WHAT WAS THE INFLUENCE ON YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO BE A PARTNER OF BRACEWELL AND PATTERSON IN HOUSTON?

It enriched my professional experience. It broadened my horizons, and was a means for getting to know very high-level business leaders, as well as the best professionals on the subject in the state. I had begun my practice with a small firm, in a local market in South Texas. As Bracewell and Patterson have offices in London, Kazakhstan, Washington, Houston and New York, and include the participation of personalities such as Rudi Giuliani, projects have a much higher reach, and I was consequently challenged to litigate competitively and efficiently not only at a local level, but nationally and internationally. Personally, it gave me a better perspective of the management of the private and public sectors, about how to reconcile the interests of both, and how to facilitate the development of the private sector which, in the end, is the one that pays the bills and creates jobs.

19. “HISPANIC BUSINESS MAGAZINE” HAS IDENTIFIED YOU AS ONE OF THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL HISPANIC PERSONALITIES. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

I think we may have a few too many lists! I really do not see myself as an influential person. I am a public servant out of conviction, with a real and daily commitment to carrying out the mission assigned to me in the best possible way within my power, just the same as athletes, artists, intellectuals, and all those others who make an impact in their communities. And, well, if someone wants to include me on their list… I am pleased and honored, but in fact --it’s all the same to me!

20. YOU SERVED AS SECRETARY OF STATE IN THE ADMINISTRATION AS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS OF GEORGE W. BUSH. HOW DID THAT EXPERIENCE INFLUENCE YOUR CURRENT PERFORMANCE AS AMBASSADOR TO OUR COUNTRY?

It was a great experience. To be Secretary of State is equivalent to being Secretary of Governance at a state level, though in Texas we joke about being an independent nation with one of the strongest economies in the world! My appointment was the first one made by then-Governor Bush. I saw the position as a great responsibility. I met with a large number of people in the name of Governor Bush; I made trips, worked on various projects, including education, public health and border initiatives, among others. It gave me a broad knowledge of the political sector, and significant knowledge of the issues Texas shared with Mexico in the 90’s. Now it’s about issues and challenges we share as countries, but I will always have the view that we can accomplish more working together, not because of the nations we are now, but because of the nations we can expect to be. Many of the faces I met then, I’ve seen again in other positions, in other sectors.

21. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PASTIMES, THE MOVIES, THEATER, DANCE?

In the first place, being with my wife. Going hunting in Texas with my new family, going fishing, reading and, of course, golf. I recently picked up bicycling again, and I hope to snow ski this winter. I’m not quite an athlete, but I enjoy all of these activities a lot.

22. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH GOLF? DO YOU STILL PRACTICE IT? DO YOU HAVE A PREDILECTION FOR ANY OTHER SPORT?

When I was 7 or 8. Though I gave it up for some 25 years, I picked it up again in 1998. I find golf a very complete sport because it calls for patience, concentration; it allows you to be outside, you walk as you talk, and share with your mates and friends and, as with all sports, there is always competition. It’s a lot like life itself: circumstances have their share because you have to hit the ball wherever it may be, there are no do-overs, and each stroke counts.

23. DO YOU LIKE MEXICAN FOOD? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DISH?

I consider myself an honorary “norteño” so, of course, I love “cabrito” (grilled goat) I have had the opportunity to enjoy regional Mexican food, as well as its people and culture; each region offers great riches. I love Veracruz seafood, Oaxaca black mole and tamales, the delights of Michoacan cuisine, Puebla peppers in walnut sauce. And I’ll share a secret with you: the best food I’ve eaten is each creation and any dish that comes out of my mother-in-law’s kitchen! And I’m not just saying it to get on her good side, it’s entirely true!

24. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DOGS. WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? DO YOU HAVE ANY STORIES TO TELL?

I have two chocolate Labradors named Milo and Lucas. When I got married, Mariasun had two poodles: Jackie and Roxie. We then got a giant Schnauzer called Laica, and a Pomeranian called Biri. With two teenagers in the house and six dogs, every day is a story in and of itself! But to be more specific, I can share that Biri, the Pomeranian, picks a space under my desk every morning to leave me a little souvenir!

25. WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH CURRENT PRESIDENT OF MEXICO FELIPE CALDERON HINOJOSA?

It’s a solid relationship based on respect, and it is always a pleasure to be able to share a few moments with him and Margarita. I consider him to be very intelligent and focused. He has the ability to see the big picture and, at the same time, be aware of the particulars of each issue. It seems to me he is a man who is not surprised to be President but, rather, I believe he has been preparing for this mission all his life. And I am not referring so much to his style, but rather to the vision he has for his country.

But more important than the impression President Calderon has made on me, is what I witnessed during the meeting between him and President George W. Bush in Washington last month. It wasn’t just a protocol encounter. There was such an affinity between them, in fact, that it seemed more like it was their third or fourth meeting. Right away they started talking about the issues our two nations face; in short, they went straight to work.

26. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE MAIN PROBLEMS IN THE BILATERAL AGENDA?

I don’t see them as problems. They are challenges we must overcome and that, upon occasion, grow to create a great deal of tension. They are the product of the great success the region has accomplished in terms of integrating in such a rapid and intense manner, and we are not always ready to achieve so much in such a short amount of time. Upon occasion a difficulty arises in recognizing what integration demands of us while, at the same time, ensuring that the strengths of each country benefit both countries, and that each country respects the sovereignty of the other one. If I had to choose a key challenge, it would be that the policies and the politicians in both of our nations succeed at meeting the demands of the market and our peoples.

27. WHAT HAVE YOUR DEALINGS WITH THE MEXICAN POLITICAL CLASS BEEN LIKE? DO YOU HAVE CHANNELS INTO ALL THE POLITICAL PARTIES AND IDEOLOGICAL CURRENTS OF THE MEXICAN POLITICAL SPECTRUM?

It’s been good. I’ve always sought to create spaces where each trend and ideological current is represented, regardless of whether it’s art, politics, economy, science and technology, etc. It’s very clear to me that politicians must sometimes have a public persona and another private one, and that one should try to know and respect both. In this, as in everything else, respect is the basis for any relationship.

28. AFTER FINISHING YOUR PERIOD AS AMBASSADOR, WHAT ARE YOUR PROJECTS?

One of the great life lessons I learned I got from President Bush. He told me once: “Do what you are entrusted to do with passion and resolve. Concentrate on the current mission, and when you are a step from finishing it, there will surely be other opportunities knocking at your door already.” I follow that premise in my activities, and strive to give all my energy to the present moment.

29. HOW IMPORTANT HAS IT BEEN FOR YOU TO HAVE MARRIED MARIA ASUNCION ARAMBURUZABALA, A DISTINGUISHED MEXICAN BUSINESS WOMAN?

It has been a blessing in my life. I have a strong, independent woman next to me, who loves me as much as I love her or, at least, I hope so! I am very proud of each one of her accomplishments and honors; I respect and admire her deeply. It’s true that we are two very busy people, though it’s also true that we have always managed to strike a balance and enjoy every moment. We have a lot of fun together, and we share time with each of our families. In sum, I am a very lucky man!

30. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH AS THE BIGGEST STEP FORWARD IN DIPLOMATIC, ECONOMIC AND GEOSTRATEGIC SECURITY RELATIONS BETWEEN MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES?

After the way we changed after September 11, and considering our enormous co-dependence in economic —and every day more, in cultural— terms, I would definitely like to achieve a dialogue that is frank and in real time. When risks are so high, and people’s life and security as well as economic interests are at stake, we can no longer afford the luxury of continuing with the ambiguities of “traditional” diplomacy and not say anything. True friends and partners talk to each other honestly and clearly and, above all, respectfully. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. In democracies many factors are at play and, without a doubt, our two peoples are among the most important elements. If we don’t speak frankly about what’s happening, we lose credibility before the people. If we don’t focus on what they see, we lose their trust. Our responsibility is to think in a strategic manner, to cast aside any old prejudices and stereotypes we may have of each other, and to do whatever is in our power to protect the personal and economic security of the peoples of our two nations.

31. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED IN THE DIPLOMATIC HISTORY OF BOTH COUNTRIES?

It’s a little early to carve my epitaph, don’t you think? I still want to continue serving for a few more years. In fact, I tell my friends, and not entirely in jest, that I care so much about the future of Mexico because, unlike the other ambassadors who have preceded me, I could very well be one who stays on to live in Mexico! And, in that sense, there is a link with my response to your previous question, which is that in Mexico and the United States I be considered an honest interlocutor, that I say the same thing in Mexico as I say in the United States. That I was an Ambassador who made an effort to not give a double discourse. In fact, I am criticized in my country for voicing an ironclad support for migration reform, and I am likewise criticized in Mexico for voicing my concerns regarding security. Curiously, in the United States I’m told I should be more vocal regarding insecurity, and in Mexico I’m told I shouldn’t be so soft in terms of migration. That’s why I like to joke arguing that if people are neither satisfied here nor there, odds are I’m right! My thing is not to deliver arguments for “local consumption” on this or that side, but to face challenges, highlight points of agreement, and promote joint collaboration.