Interview with J. R. Gray, August 22, 2006

Project: Kentucky Legislature Oral History Project

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Interview Summary

Gray (House, 1976-1989; 1995-2007, 6th district; Democrat) grew up on a rural farm in Lyon County, Kentucky. In the mid-fifties, Gray worked as a machinist in the steels mills of northern Michigan, and later in the mid-sixties, in mechanical maintenance in the chemical industry of southeast Kentucky. In this interview, Gray describes early years as a worker, chief steward, and business representative of the union. As chairperson of the House labor and industry committee, Gray explains the most memorable issues, including collective bargaining, labor/management advisory work, black lung, right-to-work, and prevailing wage. He also addresses the benefits of the lobbying body and the impact of BOPTROT on the politic and the General Assembly. In addition, Gray discusses significant changes to the House of Representatives, including the impact of the Legislative Research Commission. He points out the difficulties of legislative work, such as the limitations of time, pay, and annual sessions. Gray also shares his memories of influential contemporaries, including Glenn Freeman, Lloyd Clapp, Fred Morgan, Adrian Arnold, and Jim Bruce.

Interview Accession

2006oh159_leg145

Interviewee Name

J. R. Gray

Interviewer Name

Catherine Herdman

Interview Date

2006-08-22

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.

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Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

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Gray, J. R. Interview by Catherine Herdman. 22 Aug. 2006. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

Gray, J.R. (2006, August 22). Interview by C. Herdman. Kentucky Legislature Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.

Gray, J. R., interview by Catherine Herdman. August 22, 2006, Kentucky Legislature Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.





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Persistent Link for this Record: https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt7k9882k88j