Communicator News - Dec 1 Edition

COMMUNICATOR VOL. 1 NO. 7

Dec. 1-15, 2012 • 262.930.5467 racinecommunicator.com FREE

NEWS

The Park 6 Story By Thomas Holmes pg 6

Plus INSIDE: Scott Walker And The Republican War On Voting Rights pg 4

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COMMUNICATOR NEWS

VOL. 1, NO. 7

DEC. 1-15, 2012

COMMUNICATOR NEWS

Come On Out to Stuff the Sleigh On Saturday, December 8 KICK OFF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH THE TRUE HOLIDAY SPIRIT and join us for the Stuff the Sleigh event Saturday, December 8, 2012 in Racine, WI to benefit the Racine County Food Bank. Stuff the Sleigh 5k Run/Walk will kick off at 10:00 AM in Downtown Racine at the Sam Johnson Parkway and will take place, rain, snow or shine. Registration will open at 8:00 AM. Click here to see the course or visit: http://www.stuffthesleigh5k. org/.

Don’t feel like running?

You can still join this great community event. Come to Monument Square between 9:00 and 11:00 AM to drop off non-perishable foods that will go directly to the Racine County Food Bank. Stay to cheer for the runner and walkers. Or get involved: volunteers are still needed on race day to provide on-site help such as setting up before the race, supporting participants during the race, and clean-up.

Come for an hour or stay for the entire event--we will find something that interests you! This is a perfect opportunity for a group to get in the holiday spirit or for individuals who want to be part of a great cause that gives back to the community. The event will end around 11:00 a.m. All volunteers will receive a free volunteer shirt and be entered into the special drawing on the day of the event.

There is also still time to be a sponsor. You’ll gain widespread visibility for participating in this wonderful event that brings our community together. Become a sponsor of the Stuff the Sleigh 5K today! For more information on becoming a sponsor or to be part of the race in any way, please contact us at info@planaheadeventsracine.com. This event will not be the same without your generous support.

For all information about Stuff the Sleigh, contact Plan Ahead Events of Southeast Wisconsin, 3000 N. Green Bay Rd., Racine, WI 53404, 877-651-2440, Info@ planaheadevents-racine.com.

Visit the event website http://www.stuffthesleigh5k.org and “Like” us on Facebook so that you can keep up with additional news for Stuff the Sleigh.

About the Racine County Food Bank: The mission of the Food Bank is to efficiently and effectively obtain resources and facilitate distribution of food and necessities to Racine County individuals and families in need, through a network of direct service providers. Their goal is to equalize distribution of resources through the community and to serve as an advocate on behalf of the community in reducing hunger.

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COMMUNICATOR NEWS

VOL. 1, NO. 7

It’s Far From Over: Scott Walker Resumes The Republican War On Voting Rights

DID YOU THINK VOTER SUPPRES- “States across the country that have Excuse us for our disbelief that Gov. sion would end on Election Day? Think same-day registration have real prob- Walker supports this policy because again. The corporate-backed Republi- lems because the vast majority of their he’s interested in helping workers. No can-led war on our voting rights is still states have poll workers who are won- state executive in the country, or even in chugging. derful volunteers, who work 13-hour recent memory, has been more commitNone other than Wisconsin Governor days and who in most cases are re- ted to attacking workers’ rights and colScott Walker announced on Monday tirees,” Walker said at the library, re- lective bargaining, not to mention the that he would like to end the state’s sponding to a question from an audience wages, benefits, and pensions of public same-day registration law: member about election safeguards. “It’s employees.

Wisconsin is one of nine states that al- difficult for them to handle the volume Here’s the real reason Walker is seeking low voters to register to end the 36at their polling place year practice: on the day of the elecWisconsin is one of nine states that allow voters to register at it helps peotion, and that’s often their polling place on the day of the election. Governor Scott ple vote. Wiscredited with helping has the Walker announced that he would like to end the state’s same- consin make Wisconsin’s third-highest voting rate one of the day registration law. turnout rate highest in the country. in the counSince the Nov. 6 electry: in part tion, both Walker and incoming Assem- of people who come at the last minute. because of the state’s strong civic trably Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) It’d be much better if registration was dition, but also because same-day reghave said they’re considering ending done in advance of election day. It’d be istration helps transient Wisconsinites the practice, which goes back to 1976 easier for our clerks to handle that. All (like students, young people, minorities, in the state. that needs to be done.” and low-income workers) exercise their And what reason would Gov. Walker, So. Gov. Walker is saying that because rights. Two weeks ago, 48,000 voters who also pushed through a voter sup- he feels bad for the overworked poll took advantage of same-day registration pression ID law in 2010, have for end- workers many of whom are retirees, no in Milwaukee, helping boost turnout in ing the successful practice of same-day one should be able to register to vote at that city to 87 percent. registration? the polls.

If the 2012 election proved anything,

pro-worker candidates succeed when more people turn out to vote. Walker knows this, so he has a consistent standard operating procedure when it comes to voting rights: restrict at all costs.

Act 23, Walker’s voter ID law that was found unconstitutional in April, would have cost the state’s DMV an extra $6 million, despite his frequent protestations that the state is “broke.”

We have a better idea. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Chris Coons (DDE) have introduced the FAST Voting Act in the Senate, which would provide states resources to address election reform. In the House, Rep. George Miller (D-CA) has introduced the SIMPLE Voting Act, which would require all states to institute 15 days of early voting, and ensure that each precinct sufficient poll workers.

Those policies would benefit the overworked poll workers Walker is pretending to care about. But his true agenda is and has always been restricting voting rights. He also doesn’t have a history of listening to ideas that are not his.

— Communicator Staff

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COMMUNICATOR NEWS

DEC. 1-15, 2012

I’ve Got Nothing To Hide

THE OLD ADAGE “I’VE GOT

nothing to hide” has become a new meaning ever since the post-9/11 patriot act was voted into existence. Legislators continually seek new laws to impose controls, always under the guise of fighting terrorism or protecting “intellectual property” rights. The phony war on terror only makes it easier for them to relinquish individual’s privacy rights.

The United States slowly and deliberately continues to invade individual’s personal property rights. Government

rant, to listen to my telephone call, to read my e-mails, to search my property.

But no such rights belong to the government, government transparency is the basis for a free Republic. Individuals don’t need to justify their position the government needs to justify theirs. They need a warrant. Government is supposed to protect our freedom, our property, our privacy, not invade it.

In Britain for example, the government has installed millions of public surveillance cameras in cities and

Legislators continually seek new laws to impose controls, always under the guise of fighting terrorism or protecting “intellectual property” rights.

and corporate data mining is able to circumvent well-established federal laws like the Wiretap Act and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. The Fourth Amendment states: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Meaning you must have a search war-

towns, which are viewed by government officials. Campaign slogan for this program declares” if you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to fear.” In Britain probable cause has extended to the home the car almost anywhere the government feels they need to search. A warrant in Britain no longer has much meaning. So if we have nothing to hide, then your phone records, your bank balance, your computer and any other item you feel may have some privacy could be open for review.

— Communicator Staff

CN

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COMMUNICATOR NEWS

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VOL. 1, NO. 7

The Park 6 Story

by Thomas Holmes

I

HAD OWNED THE MOST controversial establishment in Racine, Wis. “Park 6”. Since its inception, my establishment had been under attack through use of the media by many city officials and the Racine Police Department. They have publicized false, malicious statements, fabricated scenarios, and have continu-

ally harassed my entrepreneurial efforts with biased/prejudice and double-standard tactics. These tactics have sabotaged my business and have defamed my character as a well-known and respected citizen. In their attempt to strip me of my livelihood, my employees of their jobs and my customers of access to a facility that provides enlightening

Thomas Holmes, a.k.a. POPS, pictured outside his controversial establishment Park 6, which was closed by city officials.

entertainment, their efforts have caused me to conclude that we still live in a society where we continue to be judged by the color of our skin rather than the content of our character and professional capabilities.

Here’s the facts Around September 2009, Park 6 was operating with off-duty officers from the Racine Police Department as security per my side agreement with the City of Racine. During one such night one of the officers said that they wanted their pay increased from $30 per hour to $70 per hour I told them that was crazy, and I would get other officers instead. His comment was, “We will put the word out and no one will be available.” I told him I would not be blackmailed, and then he told me “You will have nothing but trouble from now on.” Can off-duty officers ask for more money? Yes they can, but not when I am held hostage by a city agreement and then to expect problems when I don’t agree. I then took this incident to the Police Chief Kurt Walhan. He said he would look into it. I then got a call from Aaron Wisneski, alderman and

head of the Public Safety and Licensing board. Shortly after that, We met in his car in front of Park 6, and he also said that he would look into the incident. But during their investigation he said, “Do not discuss this with anyone.”Then he stated, “I was a victim of my success.”

I also was contacted by Lieutenant Art Howe from the Racine Police Department. We met at Denny’s on Highway 20 in Racine. (The Art Howe story is another good one in due time) My feelings were they were sending a brother to calm another brother down. He told me the police department would work with me. I agreed and was then given another side agreement with the option of using Metro Security instead of Racine police, although I felt this agreement was far reaching,( install kitchen, close at 1:30, install more cameras etc.) Knowing now what I know this was set up for my failure, but I agreed and signed it.

At this point I speculated that Henry & Wanda’s bar across the street was making calls to the mayor, police department, alderman. I felt it was a consorted effort by the Downtown Racine Corp.

(DRC.), Racine Police Department., Downtown Bid Board, Tavern League and the Racine Journal Times, to remove my business from downtown Racine. During this time the DRC or the BID. board hired a private investigator to video Park 6 on several different occasions. from the top of Old Madrid Restaurant just east of Park 6.

Police cars sitting down the street and behind the building were also videotaping my business and my customers.

Many a night I would stop the music and point out to my customers what was going on around them.

Even through my bar had very few problems the large crowds at closing time drew police presence, which caused more problems. I instituted a 25-year-and-up entrance, ID checker, I knew everyone that was in my bar, and when they were in my bar. I started letting people out the back of the building 25 at a time. This was still not enough.

The stage was set

COVER STORY

DEC. 1-15, 2012

On May 20, 2010, a security officer I employed was hit in the ankle by a stray bullet shot from down the street going west. Even though I was closed at the time it was related to Park 6.

Currently the police have no one in custody, and really don’t know what happened.

I then was called in for a due-process hearing before the Public Safety and Licensing Board to revoke my liquor license.

I was scheduled to have my due-process hearing July 29, 2010, but as the Journal Times article reads it was canceled because, “Holmes attorney wanted more documents.”I then agreed to a 45-day suspension in September 2010 Now the real story Why did it take so long for my dueprocess hearing? If we believe Alderman Maack, it was because people were afraid to come forward because they feared retribution - a good quote to use to paint me in bad public light.

However, an alderman is a governing body elected by the people, and should be for the people and should not be prejudiced or display double standards or biased views. During the proceeding of the due-process hearing of Park 6, several incumbent aldermen circulated emails making such statements as, “When Park 6 closes, where will all the youngins go?”... “I’m parked outside Park 6 looking at these people going in, if I call the police, they won’t have enough indecent exposure citations to give away”...”We’ll have to move the due-process hearing to a bigger room so they can have space to cry.”

These statements/items listed above are disturbing as well as demeaning, and it appears that there are people in office violating the rules because their minds have been made up to revocate the license of Park 6 before hearing the case.

This is a violation of being fair and just.

There is also documentation circulating whereby the chief of police and license committee members stated they should shut down Park 6 before someone gets killed -when in fact there are –whiteowned bars in Racine where persons were killed, and they are still operat-

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During the proceeding of the due-process hearing of Park 6, several incumbent aldermen circulated emails making such statements as, “When Park 6 closes, where will all the youngins go?...We’ll have to move the due-process hearing to a bigger room so they can have space to cry.”

ing today. The fact is they did not have enough to take me to due process.

The due-process hearing was postponed to discuss the emails; they did not know what to do. The city did not have the evidence or the right to take me to due process. Thinking back I should have fought them on this point, but my attorney suggested take the suspension and move on. At this time it was costing me a lot of money. This was a mistake on my part, but during the proceeding Chief Wahlen was asked if he was aware of the police asking for more money and the conversation he had with Thomas Holmes. He stated “he did, Was there

any follow up on the incident? “There never was a complaint filed so it was dropped.” That has yet to be seen. However, a few days later a Journal Times article comes out stating “Feeling mixed in hiring of off-duty officers.

The Racine Journal Times During this time of due process I contacted The Journal Times and spoke to Paul Sloth and explained my side of what was happening - a private investigator hired by the DRC., aldermen videotaping from rooftops, bogus police calls, police call jumping, and showed the emails from the aldermen, and more.

I spent hours in the Journal Times of-

fice documenting each item. Paul told me he was going to run a two- or threeday series of articles on what was happening. We had numerous telephone conversations over a two- or three-day period. He then told me he was going to run the story over the weekend. It was to start Friday, (don’t remember the exact date), the weekend came and went. NO STORY. I called Paul Sloth and asked what happened? He told me the editor and staff felt it wasn’t the right time or something like that. I knew then the good old boy club got to them. I then received an anonymous phone call telling me while I was parked in front of the

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Journal Times (I drove a bright yellow corvette), the Journal Times got calls from the city officials and some aldermen to why my car was in the front of the building. One club member (former alderman) even stopped in to ask why.

Although they did write a story about new cameras being placed on Sixth Street, paid for by the DRC., and the

this city, you start to see a pattern of double standard, biased view, inaccurate reporting. It’s clearly discrimination toward business owners of color.

During my 45-day suspension to recoup some money, I held some teen nights. The kids were well behaved but under surveillance by police sitting in cars outside my club just waiting for

During my 45-day suspension to recoup some money, I held some teen nights. The kids were well behaved but under surveillance by police sitting in cars outside my club just waiting for something to happen. After a few weekends without trouble, the police raided my business looking for curfew violations.

Racine Police Department, but they did somehow forgot to mention NO LOITERING signs were put up in front of my business -only area in all of downtown.

I was so frustrated at that time I started to organize a protest to bring some media from out of town to at least expose some of what was going on. I should mention Paul Sloth no longer works for the Journal Times.

I believe he was going to write this story, but I have been told by many that some reporters have close friendships with the mayor and some aldermen -you might say in the club. There is so much more to say about the Journal Times, but I will leave that for later.

A shooting occurs at Pepi’s on the 600 block of 6th Street - Where are the Milwaukee news channels? Where is the front page article about “Is it safe to be on Sixth Street?”It was just a family problem no need to worry, even though the shooter who was drinking in the bar shot the victim twice, threw the gun in the river and could get 30 years. Was the bar owner ever called in to explain what happened? Does he have a side agreement? What’s his security plan? When you look into the problems at bars in

something to happen. After a few weekends without trouble, the police raided my business looking for curfew violations. They were available to find kids waiting for their parents to pick them up in the front doorway shortly after 11pm; they put them in paddy wagons and waited for their parents to arrive. When their parents showed up they were released but given a $240 ticket. Approximately six kids were given tickets.

Needless to say parents were outraged; I question the Racine police officers if they were at Skate town doing the same thing.

— Thomas Holmes

CN

Read Part 2 In the next issue of the Racine Communicator.

VOL. 1, NO. 7

DEC. 1-15, 2012

COMMUNICATOR NEWS

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Follow Up At Park 6 ?

IN JANUARY OF 2011 THE LIQUOR license for Park 6 Nightclub was revoked by the Public License and Safety Committee and the Racine Common Council. The owner of the nightclub,

cess hearing invalid. The complaint was circulated among all judges in Racine Country, all refused to hear the complaint. The complaint was then sent to Kenosha Country where Judge Schro-

At 1:09 AM on March 11, 2011, the front window of Holmes’s nightclub was broken out. Holmes stated he thought it was retaliation for him receiving his liquor license back.

Thomas Holmes asked a judge to review the revocation of this liquor license and asked for a temporary injunction to halt the revocation of his license.

Holmes Attorney Vincent Bobot filed a complaint stating the (citizen /Chief of Police) Kurt Wahlen did not swear to the complaint, rendering the due pro-

eder sign the injunction and granted Holmes his liquor license. On March 8, 2011, Holmes was informed of the decision, and the daily paper informed the community of the action. At 1:09 AM on March 11, 2011 the front window of Holmes’s nightclub was broken out.

Holmes stated he thought it was retalia-

tion for him receiving his liquor license back. A reward of $1000 was offered by Holmes for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved.

A police report was generated by the Racine Police Department. The report in brief, alluded to shadowy figures unidentifiable from the camera view, conversations and third-party accounts of teenagers playing with rocks in the area. The report did not follow up on any individuals that may have been in the area when the incident happened.

The report also did not follow-up with conversations alluded to or third-party comments. The report also said that no one was in sight when the window was broken.

The camera view showed the entire Street view approximately 50 feet.

Holmes elaborated “A projectile would have to been thrown in excess of 50

feet and powerful enough to penetrate a safety glass window. Common sense without police training would conclude that the window was “shot out”. “Further investigation needed to be done. I told the Police Department it was a hate crime and I also called the video department at City Hall and told them it was a hate crime, making sure everyone knew what I was thinking.” Why was there no follow-up? Was Holmes right? Was this retaliation for him receiving his business license back?

View the police report and video at racinecommunicator.com.

— Communicator Staff

CN

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VOL. 1, NO. 7

Pattern Or Practice: Shaking Up The Shakedown A pattern or practice of discrimination, means that there’s a policy or a practice of discrimination or a pattern of discrimination. It is been conducted against a group of persons or an issue of general public importance.

In the past six years in the City of Racine 13 minority owned bars or nightclubs and 2 white owned bars with minority patrons have been closed while in contrast no white establishments have been affected.

T

his all started:

With the documentary Pattern or Practice, the documentary was going to bring awareness to the fact that minority businesses were being close an alarming rate by the City of Racine.

W

hat happened ?

As the film crew interviewed each business owner and as we dove into the meeting minutes of the City of Racine. We saw a disturbing pattern of how targeted business owners, particularly Hispanic and Black owners were subject to different standards. As we interviewed persons affected by the policies instituted by the City of Racine, we discovered the systematic closing of minority businesses in particular areas.

W

hy?

A “cleanup” effort by the City of Racine in three targeted areas, where the majority of these businesses were operating.

C

ame together :

As we brought each business owner together they discovered that they were not alone in the way things were handled by the City of Racine in the closing of their business. Individuals started to step out and discuss the institutional racism that was happening in the City of Racine.

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hat we need:

We need funds to stop the continue action of the City of Racine. We need funds to be used for pretrial investigations, open records requests, depositions, vandalism reports, police reports, subpoenas, specialists. None of the funding will go toward the documentary, Attorney fees, or anything not associated with bringing this case to court.

• Where is the NAACP? • Where is the Justice Department?

• Where is the ACLU? All three have been contacted. The NAACP has never gotten back to us.

The ACLU said they were too busy.

The Justice Department has been contacted “no response.”

We decided to come to you.

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hat we will do for you:

First and foremost is to keep you informed of what is happening. This is a very complicated case with a lot of twists and turns and heartache. We will post videos, comments, and anything

pertinent that would be of interest to our supporters. And of course the cool perks, download of the documentary, T-shirts, movie posters etc. all items will be sent out at the close of our fundraising. The documentary Download or DVD will be released after the film Festival Circuit is complete approximately January 2014 all other items will be sent on close of fundraising.

Please Like Us On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PatternOrPractice Watch the Video. Go to: http://igg.me/p/273672?a=1091822 ...and help make this a reality. Or go to racinecommunicator.com and click the link.

COMMUNICATOR NEWS

DEC. 1-15, 2012

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VOL. 1, NO. 7