Leadership - A Journey.
My Story
I knew at a young age that public service would be a big part of my life.
I remember driving past the state capitol in Austin, looking out from the back of our family pickup truck. We were migrant farm workers traveling from south Texas to work in agricultural jobs throughout the mid-west.
I said, "I'm going to work at the Capitol someday."
Proven Leadership & Experience
I have the experience and proven record of leadership for Texas.
I served as a state legislator for twenty years. I came to be known as the "people's representative" for fighting for the working people of Texas. I worked as an Assistant Attorney General and served on community boards and commissions.
Professional Profile
Legislative Aide
Roberto worked at the Texas Capitol as a Legislative Aide for the late Senator Carlos Truan D-Corpus Christi.
Voter Registration Coordinator
Roberto worked as a Coordinator for the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, San Antonio. He worked under the founder, the late William "Willie" Velasquez.
Texas Legal Aid
Roberto worked as a paralegal for Legal Aid Texas in Corpus Christi.
Law School
Roberto attended the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University - Houston., receiving a Jurisprudence Doctorate. He was elected President of the Chicano Law Student Association.
Assistant Attorney General
Roberto passed the bar after clerking for the Texas Attorney General's office under the leadership of the late AG Jim Mattox, then became a full time attorney with the AGs office in Austin, Texas.
Private Practice
Roberto, his wife Sylvana, and infant son, moved to Dallas. He opened his law practice and has been an attorney for thirty-five years.
First State Rep in North Texas
Roberto was elected State Representative, becoming the first Hispanic elected to the House of Representatives in north Texas. He served for twenty years, representing parts of Dallas, Grand Prairie, Irving, and the City of Cockrell Hill.
Lifelong Democrat
Roberto has been very active in the Texas Democratic Party. He currently serves as Chair, MAD Texas; Texas Delegate & National Delegate 8 times, Adelante Con Clinton, Chair
Killer D
Roberto and his colleagues skipped the legislative session by traveling to Oklahoma to prevent a quorum - they stopped the Republicans from pushing an unfair redistricting plan and vote. Roberto and the Democratic Legislators came to be known as the Killer Ds.
Community Leader
Roberto served on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board, Chambers of Commerce, Little League President, Arts non-profit member and supported countless community organizations and projects. Charter Member, Mexican American Bar Association - Dallas.
Personal Profile
My Family
Married to Sylvana for 35 years; they have three adult children and reside in Dallas, Texas.
Formative Years
Roberto was born and raised in Crystal City, Texas. He was fourth of eleven siblings. Son of Maria Rivera & Emeterio Alonzo, Jr.
Crystal City Walkout 1969
At age 12, Roberto participated in the 1969 school walkout in Crystal City, Texas. He joined hundreds of students, supported by family, to end discriminatory practices. They were successful in effecting change.
High School Student Council
Roberto excelled as class president and member of the Student Council. And was active in sports and extra curricular activities, including band and theater. He graduated in the top ten of his class.
School Board Student Representative
Roberto served as Student Representative on the Crystal City ISD School Board at age 16.
Legal Aid Office
Roberto worked as a para-legal part-time at the Legal Aid Office, sparking his interest in becoming an attorney.
University Student Government
Roberto attended UT Austin where he majored in Political Science. He made history when he was the first Hispanic elected president of the UT Student Government.