"I might not be a great friend, but I'm one hell of an enemy." -- Ben Holder, aka, "The Troublemaker"

Thursday, July 09, 2009

City Meet!

Fox 8 pic and coverage!

Monday, July 06, 2009

Holder Officially Announces Candidacy for City Council and District 1 Hot line Number

Citing open and honest communication, new ideas and crime as his top campaign issues, activist/blogger Ben Holder officially entered the election race for District 1 in Greensboro."I will bring the same passion and tenacity to the council that I am known for as a community activist. I will represent all of the people in District 1 by listening to their concerns and creating ways to solve their problems.” Holder continued, "I have been disappointed in the current leadership and feel the people in District 1 are poorly represented.”

Holder will begin taking calls from District 1 residents immediately so problems can be addressed. "I am not going to make promises about what I will do if I get elected. I am ready to go to work right now. If there is a problem now let's solve it now." Holder said district 1 residents can call 336-617-0624 and leave a message regarding their concerns immediately.


District 1 resident and East Side Park President Marie Stamey agreed with Holder and recently reported she will fully support Holder in the upcoming election. Holder has instigated several major actions by the city and is known as The Troublemaker. Holder played an important role in the creation of SCORE, which stands for Strategic Coordination of Resources. The plan was to focus on dilapidated and criminally infested areas by using existing resources from various city departments.

Holder has a solid understanding of what takes place in District 1 and was as a catalyst for Project 2400, a multi-department effort to improve the quality of life in and around the 2400 block of Randleman Road. It eventually led to the demolition of Southgate Motor Inn. “I have spent many days in District 1 studying what is done and what is not done. I understand what works and what does not work. For instance, the city is once again dumping a large amount of police resources on Randleman Road in response to the high crime and that is not always the answer. I have well thought-out ideas and strategies that are more effective than the usual reactionary plans the city habitually rolls out.”

Holder also stated he is for the Citizen Review Board having subpoena powers and claims that they are largely ineffective without it. “The Greensboro Police Department needs to be held accountable by someone other than themselves. Currently, there are internal investigations that have been ongoing for years. That is a huge warning sign."

Holder is a graduate of Salem College and a single parent raising two children ages 5 and 8. They currently reside in Glenwood.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Diverse Crowd Comes to Party.

Pink Porch Party

Bledsoe and Hammer


Ronnie and Carolyn Barnes
Vernon Robinson and Dr. John Kilimanjaro
Adam and Brian Alberson
Ken B and the Lounge 2800 owners.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Club 2800

Why is the city blocking Club 2800 from obtaining an ABC Permit? Club 2800 reports that it is because of previous problems at the location. Club 2800 is located at 2800 High Point Road, which is also the place where Alexander Devereux's is located. Maybe the police would like to elaborate aboout the kind of problems they have encountered at 2800 High Point Road. After all, The Bears Den located at 510 Farragut Street has an ABC permit. 510 Farragut Street was described by Greensboro Police Chief Tim Bellamy as a dangerous place recently. "With the exception of a medical facility, more lives have been lost or injured at this place than anywhere else in Greensboro," Bellamy stated. However, they have an ABC permit at 510 Farragut Street.


Friday, June 26, 2009

Fish Fry/Fund Raiser Info

When: 6/27/09

Where: 1306 Oak Street G'boro

When: 7-10pm

GPD denies permit

My name is Marcus Allen; co-owner of Lounge 2800. The reason for my email is that we are having a very hard time getting our doors open due to the city of Greensboro PD. We have all zoning, inspections, and licensees that the city requires- but the ABC license. We were told that the GPD didn’t want to give us any permits period, due to the history of the location. With that being said, the persons at the GPD have not done anything to investigate our background, the major changes to the building, meet our Top Executive Chefs, and how we plan to manage the restaurant. In my opinion it’s a very serious case of racial profiling, because we have of team.

The community needs to be aware of what is happening to 4 young entrepreneurs (All NC A&T Grads, no criminal records, NO CONNECTION WITH OWNER OR PAST other than landlord and still working 9 to 5 jobs) trying to open a business and bring jobs to the city in times were very few people are hiring at all. My question is this: If we were an Apple Bee’s, and wanted to be located in the same building (prime location), with the same lease agreement, would the GPD tell them no? I think you know the answer!!! Please help spread us the word!!!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Fish Fry: Saturday 7pm

If you are planning to come to the house on Saturday between 7-10pm please leave a comment and let me know.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Glenwood, we have a problem!

I have been informed of an eye sore of a place that harbors a strong criminal element. The location is a house and it is located on Haywood Street. Allegedly, the house has been an issue for a long time and has been the subject of dozens of complaints. I cautiously cruised by there today and I can tell you it is a problem. It is a problem that needs to be dealt with in a manner that provides long term imporvements. I will begin a campaign to bring the desired results. Stay tuned!

Report from Troublemaker World Headquarters

I had a little get together at the house Saturday and Roch was kind enough to bring his camera and take some pictures.

The Menu: Fish, BBQ Chicken Wings, Cole Slaw and Shrimp and Grits.

The People: Democrats, Republicans, Christians, Muslims, Hispanic, Black, White, Young and not so young.

It was fun.



Victoria

Mary and Cameron

Monique and Julie