Letter: Ernie Reyes was pioneer in politics

Ernie Reyes passed away recently in San Diego. He lived most of his life in this community and contributed a quality of leadership we all benefit from to this day.
I returned to my hometown, Hollister, in 1969 after an absence of nine years. Little had changed in this county. The year before, 1968, had been a dramatic and politically tumultuous year that left most communities divided and struggling for change and this county was no different. While we had many positive characteristics here, the local political decision process was void of Hispanic input.
Hispanics did not run for office and had little if any input into political decisions affecting their lives. Hispanics needed to participate a great deal more in planning its future. A sense of responsibility, leadership qualities and a desire to engage politically was apparent and many individuals like Ernie Reyes were ready for the challenge. He was intelligent, articulate and dedicated to our community.
Since, we had enjoyed much better race and ethnic harmony than in most other counties in California, and leaders like Ernie worked diligently to avoid confrontations common at the time in many communities. Hispanic leaders here chose to work in a participatory framework. The strategy worked and the results are apparent. We owe much of our community harmony to past leaders like Ernie Reyes. He was a mentor to many of our local citizens.
Ernie participated in many community activities. He was a participant of the JC young Leadership Program and served on the Hollister School Board. His talents and community profile were recognized by then Congressman Leon Panetta, who hired him as a field representative.
Ernie moved to San Diego where he opened a real estate firm and founded, along with his partner, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. This organization grew to 40 chapters across the nation, with a membership of 120,000. On its home page Ernie Reyes was lauded for his vision in “creating an organization that would bring people together to advocate for Latino families who aspire for a better life.”
Tony Ruiz, Hollister