Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. Jones said since being promoted to jail administrator in 2018 he has managed a budget of at least $2.5 million and updated the Detention Centers policies and procedures in 2019. Holbrooks: Serving alongside others that are dedicated to our youth and their future will be a cornerstone of my run for Sheriff and a purposeful strategy of the Sheriffs Office, if I am elected. Many were close races. I was perfectly retired, he said. Quiz yourself on Black history. He said adding a kitchen facility to the existing building would help save on what the county spends buying inmate meals from outside sources, and cooking would be something inmates could do. Each candidate has previous law enforcement experience, including three who currently work for the Sheriffs Office. 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.. He chose to run because people were telling him about the issues they were having in the community and with the Sheriffs Office. rowan county nc mugshots 2020 27 Feb. rowan county nc mugshots 2020. He also believes in treating people equally. If they are a victim of a crime, it will be properly investigated. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. Chris Browning welcomes all Macon County residents to a town hall style meet-and-greet. In the past, I have worked as an undercover narcotics officer and bought drugs undercover in neighboring counties, he said. Since April 2021, I have made the proposal to get patrol coverage to not only Nantahala, but to Scaly Mountain, Otto and the Cowee area among others. For all the drugs coming out of Atlanta, Athens, right through Macon County, into Jackson County, Swain County.. I also worked the Multi-Agency Narcotics Unit a little less than a year, where I bought an array of drugs in western North Carolina. I have to serve the needs of the public and the commissioners, he said. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. He has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon County. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. 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. I will always give you a fair shake, he said. It was unique that he was my mentor when I was just 11 to 12 years old, and now hes my boss, Bryson said. 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. Phone. While hed owned property in Franklin since 1999, he and his late wife moved up permanently in 2015. He has served many roles in the agency and is currently captain over patrol. He said ideally there would be seven deputies on duty each shift including a K9 officer, and with eight deputies per shift the department could maybe add highway interdiction. Candidate Chris Browning Clay Bryson Bob Cook Brent Holbrooks Dereck E. Jones Incumbency information for this election was not available. With six deputies on duty, that will allow one each in Highlands and Nantahala with the remainder covering the rest of the county. He also said a larger facility built to code would give the county the opportunity to make money housing federal inmates. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. No Democrats are running in the race, which means whoever is elected in the May 17 primary will likely be the incoming sheriff to take office at the end of the year. Those residents deserve the same response and service from the Macon County Sheriffs Office as someone who lives in the center of town. The proposals I have made thus far are not new ideas. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. Name on Ballot. With Tony Brown retiring from the sheriff's office, Root will not be facing two formidable candidates in 2022. His education program would include more trained School Resource Officers, including a roving K9 unit and K9 demonstrations in the schools. I believe in fairness. Since moving to the area, hes worked at the police academy in Franklin as a training coordinator, a position he resigned to run for sheriff. Cook: I am uniquely suited to address the drug epidemic in Macon County. 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! Comment Thousands of incarcerated laborers built this railroad and nearly all of them were African American. He says his experience has prepared him to make the needed changes. 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. Early voting is underway across the state. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. With more arrests comes the need for more jail space. Analyze how and why you love the way you do. Waynesville is Haywood Countys only municipal government that elects all of its members, A group of Macon County residents and library patrons attended a Feb. 7 library board, Theres some truth to the old clich that one readily recognizable sound is the ultimate, As Macon County looks ahead to fiscal year 2023-24, the county has big decisions to make. They felt disenfranchised and saw what they considered as the good old boy club being treated differently than everyone else. A newly released video shows Congressman Madison Cawthorns March 3 traffic stop. Answer from candidate 3 It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. I serve on several boards for the youth league sports, including the little league boys basketball and baseball., Bryson: This is my first time running for an elected position., Bryson: With Sheriff Hollands announcement that he will be retiring at the end of his current term, after much prayer and with the support of my family, I decided that I wanted to be part of progressing the sheriffs office forward. Next, he wants to ensure drug laws are enforced within MCSO jurisdiction. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. Copyright 2022 BPR News. Next, I will meet with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the DEA as well as other federal authorities to discuss our needs. Im a father, Im a husband, and most importantly, Im a Christian, he said. We have to start with the kids, he said. Bryson attends Community Bible Church in Highlands and is an active member of the community. 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. The video was released after a group of North Carolina media organizations including Blue Ridge Public Radio filed a complaint seeking its release. She says that the recount will likely take place after Memorial Day. Answer from candidate 1 He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News. Bryson enrolled in Basic Law Enforcement Training at Southwestern Community College in the Fall of 1999 to begin his career and on April 11, 2000, Brysons 21st birthday, he took his Oath of Office with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. 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. He said when people dont get a response it leads them to think there is something to hide. Right now, I dont have a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault. I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. In Macon County Republican primary, Brent Holbrooks defeated Dereck Jones by just 54 votes, or .74% (32.31% to 31.57%). It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. The upkeep of the building., I have a deep commitment to our next generation of our youth, Holbrooks said. I bring to the table experience. I was the first detective in North Florida to investigate food stamp fraud.. Yes. I will promise to always give my best effort . Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction., Holbrooks: Eight generations of Holbrooks have called Macon County home it is this legacy, strong family values and impeccable work ethic that defines who I am. Of those five men, three currently serve under Holland at MCSO, although in different divisions, while the others are newcomers with their own unique backgrounds in law enforcement. He also wants to eventually increase the number of deputies on patrol to include one each in Highlands and Nantahala. 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. I want the voters to know they can rely on me. Im not knocking what arrests are being done right now, he said. Persons must be registered He said the need for a new or upgraded facility will be something the new sheriff will have to talk with the Board of County Commissioners about. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. I want to instill trust in the community once again. Im a husband, a father, but most importantly Im a Christian. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. Since 2012, hes also trained canines not only for MCSO but also other regional agencies. I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. It will be so uncomfortable and so unprofitable they will want to go someplace else.. This site supports and informs our residents about voting, candidates, and events to promote this cause. Bob Scott (828) 421-7843. Like Jones, Clay Bryson is a captain at MCSO, although he oversees the patrol division. 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. Authorities said Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, officials with the Special Victims Unit of the Macon County Sheriff's Office were investigating an allegation of sexual misconduct. Clay Bryson says he has been led to where he is now, having spent his entire adult career in law enforcement, I love giving back, he said. Im the only one outside the department that can bring change.. Work With Us. Graham County will choose a Republican sheriff and Jackson County will choose a school board seat. Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. During my time in law enforcement, I had the pleasure of doing just about anything an officer can do, from patrol to traffic to evidence processing to community policing to investigating burglary and economic crimes, he added. Brent Holbrooks said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfathers decades of service to Macon County. Related to community partnerships is educating youth not only about the dangers such as drug use, but also showing them opportunities available. He said the countys pay study helped get the departments salaries to a competitive level with other agencies in the area. 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. No Democrat is running for sheriff in Graham County. As the third generation of his family to work in law enforcement, Holbrooks has spent his adult career with the Macon County Sheriffs Office, starting in 1999 as a deputy. I have stated before and will state it again, the agency will be reorganized and all areas of the county will have adequate coverage at no additional cost to the taxpayer. Jones said education is important and he wants to expand training opportunities for the department. He said a good leader recognizes who the best people are, making them part of the leadership staff and delegating when possible. I was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, and just recently promoted to Lieutenant over Civil process and Courthouse Security. He was alderman of the city from 1889 to 1893. It was there that he was mentored by Holland before Holland was ever elected to his current position. A dog is the number one tool in the war on drugs, he said. By Jake Browning on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 Elections to choose Macon County's next sheriff won't begin until next year, but the race has already become more of a high speed chase. The people in Nantahala want to know someone is close by so they dont have to wait an hour.. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. The Southern Scoop News sent the following email to all candidates for Macon County Sheriff and posted the same text on Facebook for full transparency: As all of you know, I have made the decision to not cover the Macon County Sheriffs Election. I am a man of my word. Sep 22, 2021 Updated Sep 22, 2021. There were five candidates in the race. The transition period will be so important, he said. 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. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Yet, the fundamentals of community-based policies and a passion to do what is right must remain constant. Voters in half a dozen cities are choosing mayors and other municipal positions. Finally, he wants to focus on rehabilitation. Length of Term Next Election Year On-Year or Off-Year Election* Term Limit Partisan or Non-Partisan Vacancy Filled By Notes Draft N.C. Clean Transportation Plan available for public comment, 2023 Child Fatality Task Force report shows increase in child gun deaths, youth suicide, Jackson County TDA increases funding to $2,500 for third year of Cleaning Up the Mountains, Swain leaders voice continued opposition to parking passes in GSMNP, NC revenue forecast projects $3.25 billion surplus, 10.7% revenue increase for Fiscal Year 2022-23, Swain commissioners move to hire attorney to address GSMNP parking fees, Brad Waldrop named to Sylva Board of Commissioners, Rabun Gap girls basketball brings home second-straight NCISAA state title, Macon leaders withdraw plans to move forward with Highlands PreK renovations, Lifelong educator and author honored in Jackson County with special day. Career Opportunities. My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! Its usually more so in the local elections. There are five GOP candidates on the ballot: Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Chris Browning. P.O. As such, I have experience in making hand to hand drug buys for a $20.00 crack or heroin purchase to as much as multiple kilogram amounts of methamphetamine. 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. 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. As I have noted, I have spent approximately 14 years as an undercover Narcotics Detective. 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. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much. Macon County Sheriffs Office alone cannot fight the drug problem, he said, adding that the department must continue to partner with other agencies. Hear poetry from NC's poet laureate. In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. I am the only candidate who is currently in a position to transition to Sheriff with the immediate knowledge of the agencys needs and budget from day one. After 20 years of doing things the same way its time for a whole different approach and attitude.. He says increasing community patrols will be important in curbing the drug issues as well as other criminal activity. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. Network Menu. 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 know how it affected me as a young man, he said. In our spare time, we enjoy spending time outdoors and with our family. I felt that the only way to ensure these concerns were addressed properly was to no longer sit on the sidelines. 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. 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. Filing Date. This is one of the most frequently mentioned areas that citizens are unhappy with whether it is with drugs or property crimes. Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Bryson said the decision to run for sheriff wasnt made lightly and only came after a good deal of prayer and discussion with his family. Im constantly in schools, thats my heart., I will press for community related policies that will prompt our deputies to work with our stakeholders as role models, so that, together, our investment in the younger generation yields solid and measurable results.. An employee directory of phone numbers and email addresses for Macon County NC Government. At over 500 square miles, the majority of Macon County sits outside of the Franklin town limits. Anybody that can help provide the assets, equipment, money and other resources to fight this problem we have in Macon County., His goal is to make it so the people who are bringing drugs into the county will no longer want to come here. Ive seen many people come ask for assistance.. Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. But with the amount of drugs in this town, we should be seeing busts every week. Perform a free Macon County, NC public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. 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. With that being said, we need to get the courthouse secured, and we need to get the X-ray machines up and going.. I will work tirelessly to accomplish everything I have said I would do. 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. Cook: While each area can be improved upon, the Investigations area can use some improving. He plans to be out in the community where people can see him and get to know him. He have served as a law enforcement officer since 2005, first with the Highlands Police Department and presently with the Macon County Sheriffs Office, totaling over 17 years. 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