Ellen Theisen: On Our Loss of John Gideon and the Continuing Work of VotersUnite.Org

[Wilms]

On Our Loss of John Gideon and the Continuing Work of VotersUnite.Org

by Ellen Theisen

May 1, 2009

~snip~

Because he researched the news daily in order to send out the DVN, John held in his head probably the broadest scope of knowledge held by anyone in the country regarding events related to election issues. And he shared that knowledge enthusiastically.

Because he was committed to distributing information as quickly as it came his way, John became a trusted resource for citizen advocates, election attorneys, and election officials.

Because he was bothered by the holes in media reports, John contacted election officials and sent public information requests to fill those holes, thus expanding the quantity of reliable information VotersUnite.Org was able to distribute.

Because he valued accuracy, John tactfully (most of the time) corrected reporters who got it wrong, thus becoming a trusted resource for them, too, and contributing to the accuracy of subsequent news articles.

Because of all of this, John became a central hub of information on events related to election issues. He was a magnet for information requests and for information that people wanted to make public. He took every email or telephone request very seriously, researched any questions when necessary, and returned a thoughtful response.

~snip~

VotersUnite.Org's foundational statement was and is, "We believe in the power of facts."

~snip~

http://www.votersunite.org/info/johngideon.asp

[Spurt]

1. John was a great servant of The People. eom

[Bill Bored]

2. K&R! Proud to be Rec #5! nt

[Melissa G]

3. John Gideon was a wonderful source of assistance

anytime I needed him. There is such an enormous hole left by his absence. I miss him everyday.
Thanks to Ellen for stepping up to fill the DVN space.

[Ellipsis]

4. Recommend. n/t