Councilwoman Guajardo's Letter to The San Antonio Express-News  published 2/9/06

On Thursday we suffered a tragic loss in the passing of George Dickerson. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dickerson family.

Since this has stirred great media interest, I want to make clear the events of last week. On Jan. 30, I received an e-mail from Dickerson (from a Zachry server) regarding Graham Central Station, a nightclub adjacent to his neighborhood.

My staff contacted the Police Department to get more data on incident reports and request increased patrols of the area. I then scheduled a meeting with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Police Department to determine the status of Graham's liquor license. My staff also is attempting to schedule a meeting with the management of Graham's to discuss how they can be better neighbors.

Dickerson's e-mail contained statements that concerned me. I contacted Zachry to advise them that I had received, from their server, an e-mail containing disparaging statements regarding segments of our city and the people who live there. Zachry had been embarrassed by a similar e-mail less than a year earlier. E-mails, letters and all communication made to City Council members (and city offices) are subject to open records.

Late Jan. 30, I received word from Zachry that they had read the e-mail and were also concerned by the statements. I was informed that Dickerson was going to be suspended.

On Jan. 31, I met with Dickerson. Late that day, I received a message that Zachry had terminated Dickerson's employment.

Feb. 1 at 8 a.m., I called Zachry to suggest an alternative to firing Dickerson. I felt more could be accomplished with counseling and asking that he do some volunteering in the areas he had labeled "the bad parts" of the city. I hoped by meeting and working with people in the inner city, Dickerson could see the greatness of San Antonio's diversity.

Thursday morning I received word of Dickerson's passing.

It's unfortunate this became a media circus. As the Express-News reported, the media were contacted by a "third party" and not by myself or any member of my staff.

Whenever any member of our community reaches a point of despair where he turns to suicide, then we as a community have failed him. This tragic event is a reminder of the need to strengthen suicide prevention services. I ask that all of San Antonio join me in sending our prayers to the Dickerson family.

Councilwoman Elena K. Guajardo

George Dickerson's Obituary in The San Antonio Express-News

Dickerson

02/04/2006

George Winchester "Tripp" Dickerson, III, born December 23, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas passed away on February 2, 2006. Mr. Dickerson was an employee of H.B. Zachry for over 27 years. George was an avid classic and antique car collector. He belonged to the Classic Car Club of America, The Bexar Touring Club, The Packard Club, Veteran Motor Car Club of America, Historical Construction Equipment Association, The Purchasing Management Association and was a member of Woodlawn Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Winchester Dickerson, Jr. and Bebe Gene Doolittle Dickerson; his sister, Carole Gene Dickerson and a cousin, Keith Dickerson. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Cynthia Dickerson; Aunt, Joy Potts; Cousins: Steve and Mary Potts, John and Nancy Potts Oberman, Lauren Collier Oberman, John Alexander Oberman, and Louisa Potts Oberman; Uncle, H.W. Wally Dickerson; Cousins: Darlene Dickerson and Kelly Dickerson; Aunt, Durward and Jean Dickerson; and Cousins: Rick, Dawna, Sherry, and Sandy Dickerson. SERVICES Memorial Services will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, February 6, 2006 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Honorary Pallbearers: Ben Jackson, Bob Murff, D.U. Howard, Jack Gorman, Dr. Wade Smith, John Oberman and Steve Potts. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to a charity of choice. For personal acknowledgement you may sign the guest book at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section. Mission Park Funeral Chapels North.

Allen Ellebracht's Public Statement To City Council:

Mayor, Phil Hardberger and members of City Council,

For the record my name is Allen Ellebracht a personal friend of the now deceased George “Tripp” Dickerson.

George “Tripp” Dickerson is dead now because a city council person, Elena Guajardo, called his place of work, believing his legitimate complaint concerning his neighborhood situation would be kept confidential.

As a citizen of San Antonio, we will not stand by and let our elected officials retaliate against us by calling our employers, place of work, etc.

Mayor Hardberger and other members of council, I am today requesting that you call for an “INDEPENDENT, OUTSIDE INVESTIGATION OF DISTRICT 7 COUNCIL PERSON, ELENA GUAJARDO!”, and her role as a public official that possibly lead to the death of George “Tripp” Dickerson.

Thousands of Citizens of San Antonio, especially those in District 7 were George “Tripp” Dickerson lived, as I; see no remorse on behalf of Elena Guajardo and her ability of “mishandling” this issue. 

I will be back next Thursday, February 23^rd, 2006. I will again come before you under “Citizens to be Heard”, to check on your progress.

If no action is taken by Thursday, I will request that Elena Guajardo resign her seat or with thousands of Citizens of San Antonio, we will recall her to have her removed. 

I will be back. Let the recall begin!

Allen Ellebracht

Contact information:  (210) 637-6269       

Email: sa4tripp@yahoo.com 

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