The election of Donald Trump sent shivers through the progressive people in my home community of Aromas. We realized the gains we had made during the previous eight years were at risk and that the prospects were dim for expansion.

But Aromas, being the community that it is, knew we had to stand up for values such as universal healthcare, battling climate change, and protecting immigrant rights and public education.

And we knew we would need allies.

So we banded together to form the Aromas Progressive Action League. Neighbors supported neighbors in studying issues and creating strategy. We filled our Grange Hall to rally the community to action.

We reached out to elected leaders to join our cause. We didn’t have to ask Robert Rivas twice.

Aromas knew San Benito County Supervisor Robert Rivas was a champion of protecting the environment, fixing our local roads, building better schools for our children, and proving healthcare for all Californians. Rivas has deep roots in our community and has always stood up to make our neighborhoods stronger.

It was this demonstrated track record of leadership that propelled Rivas to receive the endorsement of the Anzar Hills Democratic Club in his campaign for state Assembly. The AHDC is a large progressive club with 40 members. We interviewed all the Democratic candidates in the race for Assembly District 30.

Robert Rivas was the clear choice.

From supporting LBGTQ rights to advocating for affordable housing to working to reduce congestion on area roads, Rivas has devoted his adult life to advocating for equality and fighting the special interests that seek to enrich themselves at our expense.

The events over the past year have proven that we were right to be concerned about the new administration in Washington.

We are also right that we need Robert Rivas representing us in Sacramento.