Wednesday, October 15, 2014

G is for Gullicksen

You might have thought from his thick Boston accent that Ted Gullicksen, leader of the San Francisco Tenants Union, was an outsider, but you would be so wrong. Although this was not the place of his birth, San Francisco very quickly became a place he loved and a place that loved him. As news came late yesterday of his unexpected death, great sadness came too in this place he has called home for the past 30 years. 
 
With his little dog Falcor, you would see him at meetings and protests in support of tenants rights and working hard on campaigns like Proposition G.  Ted was an organizer and a leader and he was so skilled that even those who disagreed with him, respected him.
 
Urging voters to Yes on PROP G  and stop the Ellis Act evictions was the big thing Ted was working on when his life ended yesterday.  Even though the letters assigned to propositions are assigned in order and have nothing at all to do with the subject matter, it seems somehow appropriate that Ted Gullicksen's last campaign should be Proposition G.  That G could easily stand for Gullicksen.  There will be news reports and testimonials today about Ted and likely there will be some memorials in the days ahead.  He will deserve all of the praise because he was truly a hero, but the best tribute we can give him is an overwhelming passage of Prop G.
 
Rest in peace Ted.  Nobody will evict you from heaven.  Thanks for fighting for the little guy and for all of your love.
 

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