Candidates Jones,. I want to make our county safer for our families, he said. We can let them know what we are doing and what we can do., He said while the Sheriffs Office has an app to share information with people, not everyone has may have access to technology or internet service. Join us for this ride! News and Updates Events TBD Meet-and-Greet Hotdog Dinner Get to know Chris Browning. He says increasing community patrols will be important in curbing the drug issues as well as other criminal activity. Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Candidate Profiles for Macon County Sheriff Candidate Clay Bryson and Brent Holbrooks, the two candidates to respond to interview questions for The Southern Scoop News. I want to see the best for Macon County and feel that with my extensive experience, education, leadership and communication skills, I am the candidate that will move this agency forward. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . He plans to seek grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible. Network Menu. The evidence is there., As part of fighting the drug problem, Browning wants to add more resources to the narcotics division. I am a man of my word. In addition to his law enforcement experience Holbrooks said his personality and passion for getting to know the public will be a benefit he brings to the office if elected. We need to be hard on the dealers and traffickers, he said. While Cook is comfortably retired and doesnt need the income from a job, he said he feels called to the position because hes worried about a good ol boys system.. Some of you know me as Sarahs husband or Aprils brother, but I am proud to say that most of you know me simply as Brent. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriffs race. Beasley and Budd both won in Macon County with Beasley receiving 686 votes (58.48 percent) and Budd getting 3,588 (53.34 percent) The unofficial primary election totals with all precincts reporting. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. The candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot. Among the sheriffs retiring in Western North Carolina who will leave big shoes to fill is Macon Countys Robert Holland, who has served in that position for almost two decades. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News is publishing candidate profiles for local offices. Your email address will not be published. Bryson: The drug tragedy in Macon County continues to grow; drug dealers are advancing quicker than law enforcement resources can evolve and it seems like we are always one step behind. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. This isnt something that I take lightly, as I have been preparing for this day for many years.. I had people tell me they wouldnt vote for anyone from the Macon County Sheriffs Office, he said. Bryson said incarceration is not going to solve all the problems related to the drug epidemic. I was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, and just recently promoted to Lieutenant over Civil process and Courthouse Security. They will appear in the same order as they are returned to me. Perform a free Macon County, NC public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. They were never stationed out there. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us. I am the right individual for this position. I am the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. Absolutely for more bed space. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. As such, I have had to learn to step back and look at whatever the situation is and think outside the box to develop a successful plan of attack. To submit a listing for consideration, click here . A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. The following is a combination of information from in-person interviews each candidate did with The Franklin Press and answers they provided via a questionnaire from The Press. Unless they have to call them, they dont see a deputy out there, he said. I left in 2004 to learn a new trade, but I knew that I would return to the law enforcement; and I did just that in 2008. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. With it being so close, regardless of which one won if it went the other way I think that a recount would have been asked for also, said Thibault. He also wants to provide officers more training on highway interdiction and assign deputies with canine support to work Highway 441. You need somebody that has experience in this field., He wants to partner with federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. When citizens ask questions, respond to them, within the law, he said. He was alderman of the city from 1889 to 1893. The Macon County Board of Elections confirmed that Republican Dereck Jones requested a recount after coming in second place in the primary election by just 54 votes. To me its the passion I have inside and the fact I feel led to be where Im at, and I want to continue giving.. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. rowan county nc mugshots 2020 27 Feb. rowan county nc mugshots 2020. But Im not working in that system. They will be able to count on me and I will not let them down. Persons must be registered Full time position - Macon County Sheriff's Department Posted 07/06/2021 Notice of Employment Deputy Sheriff The Macon County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for a Deputy Sheriff to work at the Macon County Sheriff's Office in Oglethorpe, Georgia. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. Other officers are the best recruiters Ive got.. I spoke to a MCSO Street supervisor and asked what it would take to get coverage into those areas. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Macon County Sheriff Jim Root has announced he will run for reelection in 2022. I will always give you a fair shake, he said. Bryson: I believe one significant area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations. Voters in half a dozen cities are choosing mayors and other municipal positions. Long-time sheriff Robert Holland announced his retirement in June 2021; he was first elected to the office in 2002. My number one priority to the citizens of Macon County if elected as your next Sheriff, is to protect you and your families with the same vigilance I protect my own. I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. 4) If you were not running for office, which of the other candidates would you vote for and why? He sees the top issues facing the countys law enforcement as drugs, patrol coverage, the perception of good old boys running the county and a lack of trust by citizens. Bryson said he has three specific areas he believes he can enhance. Candidate Chris Browning Clay Bryson Bob Cook Brent Holbrooks Dereck E. Jones Incumbency information for this election was not available. 07/07/2017. The way we get around that is the education of our youth, he said. My three older children are young adults and they have been raised and educated here in Macon County. Candidates Jones, Holbrooks and Clay Bryson are all currently part of the Macon County Sheriffs Office. I will press for community-related policies that prompt our Deputies to work with other stakeholders as role models so that, together, our investment in the younger generation yields solid and measurable results. Extreme aggressiveness on the drug problem, thats the number one problem, he said. 331 talking about this. I have been asked many times by many people why I dont go somewhere else to make more money and the answer is simple Macon County is my home. I will make sure my people are responsible for doing their jobs., Cook said during his law enforcement career he was exposed to every facet of drug-related crimes. He said none of the candidates, including himself, know all the daily responsibilities that come with being sheriff. He has served many roles in the agency and is currently captain over patrol. Weve got to do what we can and deal with them appropriately when they get here.. Yet, the fundamentals of community-based policies and a passion to do what is right must remain constant. He said when people dont get a response it leads them to think there is something to hide. He said having the K9 units work closely with the narcotics division allows the department to better respond to drug related calls and investigations. Personal blog I born 45 years ago and raised right here in Macon County. During his career he has spoken to communities about crime prevention techniques, spent time working with community and school programs, and currently serves as an instructor for the Sheriffs Office Citizens Academy. Jones said the jail was built in 1999 and by 2005 was already reaching capacity. Root, who was sworn in as sheriff on Monday, June 21, was part of a court battle. Length of Term Next Election Year On-Year or Off-Year Election* Term Limit Partisan or Non-Partisan Vacancy Filled By Notes Holbrooks final appeal was for people to trust his experience, not only with MCSO but within the greater community. I was perfectly retired, he said. As Sheriff, my passion for direct, hands-on, community-based policies would be a constant throughout the department. First, he wants to educate youth on drugs that come into the area, especially considering how many encounter them at home or in their social circles. He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. View campaign finance documents for any committee registered with the State Board by searching key words for the title of the committee or the name of the candidate, or find penalties assessed to state committees at the Campaign Document Search by Entity. nc.gov; Website Feedback; Combine that with the body scanner and it will be a much safer situation for everybody, he said. Shoplifter hits several stores on the Plateau, Mayor applauds town staff for weather response, Motion filed to dismiss some claims in Wade Hampton Golf Club lawsuit, COVID-19 cases spike as clusters are identified, Clean Water Act litigation related to Fowler Creek continues, Primary Restaurant and Bar to open this week. Its the highest liability position, and during the last three and a half years, Ive had the opportunities administratively to work on the budget with the chief deputy, Jones said. I feel that my experience in that area coupled with my leadership and management experience makes me uniquely and more qualified to address the burgeoning drug problem. I am committed to fair and equal treatment of all citizens. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. It started me leaning this direction and was very impactful on my life.. He joined the Navy in August 1972 during the Viet Nam War and remained in the Navy until August 1992 during the Gulf War. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. Its usually more so in the local elections. Local offices like district attorneys, county sheriff and county commissioners Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and everyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot. I was advised they would need seven road deputies, including the supervisor. Sheriff Robert Holland announced on June 18 that he would Premium Content is available to subscribers only. The good Lord gave me a platform to help others a platform to do what Ive wanted to do give back and help people., Bryson has worked with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. Were doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but youve got to have a willing body, he said. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. Bob Cook is married (newly) with four daughters, nine grandchildren and one on the way plus one great grandson. He says his experience has prepared him to make the needed changes. An employee directory of phone numbers and email addresses for Macon County NC Government. At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. I will also not lie to them. I will then print each candidates response to the questions in their entirety. . CANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST: Candidate Name. At the same time, we must continue to expand upon mental health and substance abuse programs within the detention facility and beyond to help those in need that request assistance. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. Macon County Beekeepers will hold their Bee School, Saturday, February 11 and Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. 1 month ago NC 4-H Camps Selected to Participate in NC State Crowdfunding Campaign Additionally, I was told by several citizens they would never vote for a member of the Sheriffs Office again. But at the same time, he thinks there is a place for showing compassion for users and helping them find the rehabilitation and recovery help they need. It is a battle were going to continue to fight., Bryson sees the drug problem as the number one issue facing the county. I want to boost their role in the agency as focusing our SROs on being the first line of defense for proactive policing and reaching the next generation. It will be so uncomfortable and so unprofitable they will want to go someplace else.. I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.. I will work tirelessly to accomplish everything I have said I would do. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. The Macon County Sheriff's Office takes a proactive approach to law enforcement--focusing on working WITH the public and preventing crime before it happens. Both divisions conduct themselves with professionalism with limited manpower. I have deep commitment to all Maconians and to our youth. He also said a larger facility built to code would give the county the opportunity to make money housing federal inmates. My grandfather, Jack Holbrooks, worked for the Highlands Police Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty in 1967. 2) Tell me about your political experience. He said the countys pay study helped get the departments salaries to a competitive level with other agencies in the area. I felt that the only way to ensure these concerns were addressed properly was to no longer sit on the sidelines. He has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon County. I want to look at what can be done without costing a lot of money and to be a good steward of taxpayer money, he said. If I says I will accomplish something, I will make every effort to get it done. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News will publish candidate profiles for local offices. My father, Homer Holbrooks served as a Sheriffs Deputy for 3-years before being elected as the Sheriff of Macon County where he served with distinction for 16 more years, retiring in 2002. These things, Im very passionate about. It gives us an idea on how to better prepare, he said. I am also committed to moving Macon County forward into the future and making it a model department for all Western North Carolina. Cook retired after earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer with Surface Warfare Qualifications. This site supports and informs our residents about voting, candidates, and events to promote this cause. That is why I plan to constantly seek out grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible in Western North Carolina. This election and change of administration is not about reinventing the wheel, but about putting the right person in office to move this county forward. What do you see as the strongest area currently within the department? Next, I would take the four K-9 Officers and place one per shift. Bryson: The strongest area within the Macon County Sheriffs Office is our employees. When it comes to getting new officers, Bryson said the department will continue to recruit through the law enforcement academies and job fairs. Lastly, is there anything else you would like voters to know? Macon County Sheriff Chris Browning (R) Clay Bryson (R) Bob Cook (R) Brent Holbrooks (R) Dereck E. Jones (R) School board elections and candidates November 8, 2022 (General) Macon County Schools May 17, 2022 (Primary) Macon County Schools Judicial elections and candidates November 8, 2022 (General) Bryson said his education and his years with the department have given him boots-on-the ground experience coupled with administrative duties such as managing a budget, writing policy and implementing programs. I have said from the time I announced my candidacy for sheriff that we must work together to fight this issue. Bob Scott (828) 421-7843. It is my goal to create an environment within the agency that supports and uplifts all employees while providing them with the salary, benefits, and continued training needed to better themselves which will allow them to better serve our community. That increased presence and visibility will only benefit the county as a whole. I dont. He wants to set up a merit-based system to recognize officers and individuals at the lower ranks. Learn about candidates on your ballot in North Carolina Please check back later in 2023 to learn about candidates running in local elections this year in North Carolina! We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction, he said. Early voting is underway across the state. While he has served in a few different capacities, hes currently in charge of the county detention center. Macon County is my home. It's Official, There's A New Sheriff (candidate) In Town. Jones said he is a people person and wants people to know they can talk to him. Most recently, Chris served as the Macon County Team Captain for the 2020 Madison Cawthorn congressional campaign, bringing local political savvy to the 11 District election. At least three members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office have already announced their intent to be his replacement including Sgt. Bob Cook said he isnt running for sheriff as a career move. The men and women who make up the agency from administrative units, to courthouse security or from patrol to investigations are dedicated to making Macon County better not only for their families, but for yours and for mine. Career Opportunities. He also wants to eventually increase the number of deputies on patrol to include one each in Highlands and Nantahala. This is not a logical step in my career. Holbrooks said while he may not know every aspect that goes into running the Sheriffs Office, he will surround himself with others who can help him learn. Right now, I dont have a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault. His three-prong approach to the problem includes education, enforcement and rehabilitation. North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) PO Box 27255 Raleigh NC 27611-7255. . No Democrat is running for sheriff in Graham County. I dont think his command staff that he currently has would necessarily be my command staff, he said, adding that he would make other staffing changes. Cook: While it is difficult to pick between the Detention Center and Patrol, the strongest area of the department appears to be the patrol division. I cant be successful as Sheriff without you, which is why I promise to work alongside you to continue to improve the quality of life here in Macon County, together. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount He wants to see officers involved in community events and a time for people to sit down with officers and share what their needs are. Cody Moore served as the Decatur Police Department's Deputy Chief until 2016 when he retired. In 2018, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and became the detention center administrator. He worked for Western Carolina University Police for almost 14 years before moving on to work at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. I intend on installing a drug tip hot line and making the supervisor over narcotics responsible to responses to the complaints. Next, I will meet with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the DEA as well as other federal authorities to discuss our needs. Related to community partnerships is educating youth not only about the dangers such as drug use, but also showing them opportunities available. Chris Browning welcomes all Macon County residents to a town hall style meet-and-greet. We need to make sure we have a secure courthouse and a secure jail or were going to have big problems.. There are five GOP candidates on the ballot: Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Chris Browning. Browning served in the U.S. Air Force and spent five years working as a road deputy in Macon County before operating his own businesses for the past 17 years. Throughout my career with the Sheriffs Office. Cook also wants to review safety protocols for the jail and the courthouse. In 1893 he was elected by the largest vote received by any candidate, as a member of the first board of county commissioners of Chatham under the new law for such boards that went into effect at that time. My pride is my family as I am a dedicated father of three young children that attend the Highlands School where my wife, Sarah, serves as the Vice Principal and is finishing her 12th year in the MCS system. He says transparency is a pretty easy problem to fix. Welcome to the Macon County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, serving Franklin, Highlands and Nantahala Macon County, NC Sheriff's Office | Franklin NC DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A new candidate is now in the running for Macon County Sheriff. The Macon County Board of Elections confirmed that Republican Dereck Jones requested a recount after coming in second place in the primary election by just 54 votes. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. Those residents deserve the same response and service from the Macon County Sheriffs Office as someone who lives in the center of town. After 20 years of doing things the same way its time for a whole different approach and attitude.. BPR explains some of the objections. 86 SUMMIT DR FRANKLIN, NC 28734 However, I have been asked to help share information about the candidates so what I have decided is to send every candidate this same email (everyone is copied) and leave it up to you if you want to respond or not. If you can steer them away from that at an early age and follow them along, he said. Dereck Jones began his law enforcement career in 2005 and has worked his way through the ranks, currently serving as a captain and jail administrator. Jones said that along with combating the ongoing drug issues and associated property and domestic violence crimes including a push to enhance drug treatment and community interdiction services a big priority of his would be enhancing courthouse security. What sets Bryson apart from the field more than anything may be his 21 years running police canines. Henderson County Sheriff Erik Summey Republican Charles McDonald Republican Michael Brown Republican Jackson County Board of Education District 4 Judy Watson Henry Ali Laird-Large Wanda. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. Answer from candidate 3 Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. Many people in our county do not have smart phones or internet service and this will ensure they are all able to register complaint. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. I have worked every major position, he said. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. We have to start with the kids, he said. During that time, he says he has seen from the outside how the Sheriffs Office operates and has a general idea of how theyre doing things. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. He also wants to reintroduce a cadet program similar to the one he participated in as a young man when Sheriff Holland was his mentor. At over 500 square miles, the majority of Macon County sits outside of the Franklin town limits. Finally, I will be a dedicated public servant, ensuring that your message of what matters most has standing within the Sheriff s Office.. We need to be helping those who need help and want help, he said. I will be creative and innovative, using natural interpersonal skills learned from my family and generational roots. Most of these concerns centered around the drug problem in Macon County. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. Chatham County (locally / t t m / CHAT-m) is a county located in the Piedmont area of the U.S. state of North Carolina.As of the 2020 census, the population was 76,285. I am a dedicated and passionate law enforcement professional with the education, training, and experience to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office into the future. I will make sure my office is providing coverage to outlying communities. Money doesnt always buy happiness, he said. They want someone who will allow them to go out and do their job and support them in doing their job, he said. But you also have to have something for them to look to, benefits and treating people right, he said. Theres going to be a learning curve for everybody, he said. 1) Give me a brief bio. Comment Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. I dont think we need a new jail facility right now. he said. We have an academy in our backyard, we need to be utilizing that as much as possible, he said. Early voting across North Carolina begins today (April 28) with the Primary voting day set for May 17. TOWN OF FRANKLIN MAYOR SCOTT, ROBERT STEWART. Answer from candidate 2 Holbrooks noted that he has experience far beyond just encounters during patrol. Jones said he is humbled by the support Macon County has shown him from the time he was a child, and he wants to help set an example as others did for him. He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. My plan would be to first meet with the Chief of Police in Franklin to discuss turning over the School Resource Officer positions inside their city limits to their responsibility, like Highlands is right now. Macon County Sheriff candidates Jon L. Butts, Jim Root, and Tony "Chubby" Brown all lieutenants with the sheriff's office address the crowd during the NAACP Decatur Branch's Candidates . Additionally, they would be primarily a backup officer to keep them free for K-9 duties. For most of my entire law enforcement career, I have prioritized combating this horrible epidemic and I assure you I will continue to do so as long as I serve Macon County. Discuss North Carolina politics. I worked at Jacksonville Beach Police Department for two and a half years then transferred over to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and stayed 22 years there, Cook said. I dont want this to be one occurrence I want to be a regular face at these events in these various communities because I believe you, the citizens, know what is best for your neighbors. Like Jones, Holbrooks said getting courthouse security up to speed would be one of his early priorities. Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. I know how it affected me as a young man, he said. This starts within our schools and each individual community. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. In local races when a candidate wins by less than a 1 percent margin the second vote getter can request a recount, according to NC election law. Id be happy if they had a term limit.. I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. Bryson said drugs would obviously be a top concern for his administration, but he wont promise to take all drugs off the streets, something he sees as impossible given the nature of the trafficking network. Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. Macon County Sheriff candidates Jon L. Butts, Jim Root, and Tony "Chubby" Brown all lieutenants with the sheriff's office address the crowd during the NAACP Decatur Branch's. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. They want unity. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. I will promise to always give my best effort . Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. We dont want youth to think we are unapproachable; if they need help, they can come to us. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. Brent Holbrooks said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfathers decades of service to Macon County.