A recent incident involving a local resident has raised questions about the lengths some will go to achieve their goals. John David Holdcraft, known locally as ‘The Yellow Sign Guy,’ has made headlines once again, this time for a series of allegations of confrontations and threats that have left the community divided.
The trouble began when Mr. Holdcraft, known for his prominent yellow sign placed across the street from the local school, allegedly left a threatening voicemail for one of our select board members, Brad Kadelski. Mr. Holdcraft was evidently upset because Brad didn’t return his phone call as quickly as he desired.
Brad and his family have already been enduring a difficult period due to Holdcraft’s relentless bullying on Holdcraft’s yellow sign, with its false claims about Brad wearing panties, which not only defamed Brad but also led to his children being teased at school.
This incident is just one in a series of instances where Mr. Holdcraft has allegedly treated town officials rudely when he doesn’t get his way.
What is particularly alarming about Mr. Holdcraft’s alleged threats to Brad is his ominous statement that he was “gonna go to the next level’ if his phone call was not returned promptly. The question on everyone’s minds now is, what exactly does Mr. Holdcraft mean by ‘ go to the next level’?
“With Brad and his family already grappling with the fallout from these allegations, the community remains on edge, worried about the situation potentially worsening. When asked whether he had left Brad a threatening voicemail, Mr. Holdcraft replied, ‘I dunno know, why don’t you ask Brad?’ Upon further questioning, Mr. Holdcraft responded ambiguously, saying, ‘Did I?’ accompanied by a smirk.”
In a disturbing twist, our investigation uncovered another instance of allegations of mistreatment. Apparently, Mr. Holdcraft was determined to uncover specific financial information about the town’s bank deposits from Brenda, our tax collector. Holdcraft relentlessly pressed Brenda to reveal when and how the town’s funds were being deposited, thereby raising concerns about the potential risk to the town’s employees if such information were disclosed.
However, Brenda stood firm in her refusal to provide the requested financial information, citing concerns over the security of the town’s finances. This refusal did not sit well with Mr. Holdcraft, who allegedly resorted to screaming at Brenda over the phone. When questioned about this incident, Mr. Holdcraft responded, ‘Did I yell at Brenda? That was eight years ago.”
Mr. Holdcraft told us he had the right to this information due to his role on the Advisory Committee. However, according to town officials, the committee’s mandate is to make recommendations about proposed expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year, not to inquire into the specifics of the town’s banking activities.
In Massachusetts, making threats is a criminal offense, subject to legal repercussions. Chief Michael Blanchard of the Brookfield Police Department emphasized the importance of reporting threatening behavior promptly. ‘The Brookfield Police Station is always open for residents to file reports concerning threats or any concerning behavior,’ Chief Blanchard stated.
For the sake of an effective investigation and potential legal proceedings, experts recommend meticulously documenting any threats received. Proper documentation can play a pivotal role in ensuring a successful investigation and potential legal action.Mr Holdcrafts relentless pursuit of information, combined with alleged threats and intimidation, has left many questioning his motives.
Over the years, Mr. Holdcraft has utilized his yellow sign as a platform to spread negativity, defaming public servants and community volunteers alike with derogatory names and unsettling comments. While he consistently raises allegations of corruption and misconduct against town officials, no evidence has been presented to validate such extreme claims.
The select board’s limited influence over elected positions leaves residents grappling with a complex dilemma. The enduring impact of Mr. Holdcraft’s actions force us all to think deeply about community values, the role of public discourse, and the boundaries of acceptable behavior