It was not unusual for me to work 14 hours a day.” He continued, “Years ago I was thinking about leaving the paper, but my father would have been left alone and how was I going to do that? I wasn’t making any money and I could have gone to work for someone else and made a good living. But then you get involved and you say, well, I’m going to stick it out another day, then another year and so on, and the years go by.”
His predictions and scoops were often reprinted in two popular political newsletters of the time and soon newspapers from around the state began quoting him. Many were amazed at how he managed to elicit even the most closely guarded information. Roland was always able to keep things stirred up locally as well as statewide.
Through the years, ‘As We Heard It” and it’s dapper author became a major political influence. Able to draw the attention of almost every resident and visiting politician intent on wooing voters – including such luminaries as Jimmy Carter and George Bush – Manteiga was a powerful force in the political arena.
Victoriano retired as Publisher in 1961, leaving Roland in charge. Patrick, Roland’s son, started working for La Gaceta that same year to later take over as Publisher, determined to keep the paper alive for his children to carry on.
Roland passed away in 1998 leaving 3 children; daughters Victoria and Becky, and son Patrick.
Well, the years went by and his column, ‘As We Heard It’, grew in popularity and size. He developed a reputation for honesty and fair play. It was not uncommon to find him writing in defense of the Latin community or the underdog in general.
It wasn’t long before Roland’s uncanny ability to predict the outcome of political races and his insider knowledge gained him statewide notoriety.