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. It will be so uncomfortable and so unprofitable they will want to go someplace else.. That would result in seven per shift. That would give me one more per shift for a total of six. In our spare time, we enjoy spending time outdoors and with our family. I give you my word that it will be printed exactly how it is submitted. I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. After 20 years of doing things the same way its time for a whole different approach and attitude.. 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. Bryson: As the new Captain over patrol, I have gotten a crash course in the struggles our agency faces to cover all 500 miles of Macon County. 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. I felt that the only way to ensure these concerns were addressed properly was to no longer sit on the sidelines. We firmly believe that, working together, we CAN make a positive difference in our community. Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. Cook: While each area can be improved upon, the Investigations area can use some improving. Only Clay Bryson and Brent Holbrooks responded and here are their unedited responses. We have to start with the kids, he said. Bryson attends Community Bible Church in Highlands and is an active member of the community. Itd be a reconstruction of the whole department.. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. Five Republican candidates are vying to be the next sheriff of Macon County. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. Answer from candidate 2 Melanie Thibault is director of the Macon County Board of Elections. 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. That is something the military instilled in me. He said extra patrolling will also be helpful in fighting the drug problem, because the people running and dealing drugs like to hang out in places where they dont see patrols. These same instructions will be posted on social media to let the public know the option that was given to candidates for full transparency. I want to talk to them and find out what they need., He wants to increase patrol coverage to cover all parts of the county. Im a husband, a father, but most importantly Im a Christian. We are all fighting the same problem and dealing with many of the same offenders across jurisdictions. They are often the first faces our youngest community members meet and may be the first law enforcement officers our children encounter. 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. P.O. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. I will also not lie to them. I will do everything in my power to curb the drug issues Macon County is facing, but the reality is it will never be gone.. Bob Scott (828) 421-7843. We have to get better doing this patrol thing, he said. 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. We need to make sure we have a secure courthouse and a secure jail or were going to have big problems.. Cook: Considering the Nantahala Community currently has only as a School Resource Officer in their community, they absolutely need additional officers. Its ridiculous.. 2021 The Smoky Mountain News. 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. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. At least three members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office have already announced their intent to be his replacement including Sgt. 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 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. In the past, I have worked as an undercover narcotics officer and bought drugs undercover in neighboring counties, he said. The primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. He also feels it is important to support law enforcement families, since the stress that comes with the job can be difficult for some families to work through. Among the sheriffs retiring in Western North Carolina who will leave big shoes to fill is Macon County's Robert Holland, who has served in that position for almost two decades. 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 . A State Divided: HB2 And Transgender Rights, Committee on Inclusion Diversity Equity Accountability, WUNC Public Radio, LLC Board of Directors, From the Warehouse to the world: Chicago and the birth of house music, Tesla has a new master plan. 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. Brent Holbrooks said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfathers decades of service to Macon County. I also have been the affiant on 99 separate telephone facility wire intercepts. Chris Browning welcomes all Macon County residents to a town hall style meet-and-greet. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. Brent Holbrooks is a lieutenant at the MCSO who has been with the office about 23 years. I believe in fairness. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. Check your voter registration status Learn about registering to vote Contact your county board of elections Common Cause NC Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. The Detention Center is one of the highest liability areas in the Agency., Jones: Personnel. Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. This election is not about me, its about you, meaning the public, and of course, our youth.. There were five candidates in the race. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. We work to create a safe environment for Macon County residents and visitors by preserving the peace and enforcing the laws. Wednesday, April 27, 2022. 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. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . I am the only candidate who has experience in every division under the Sheriffs Office running for this position. Bryson: I believe one significant area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. I have to serve the needs of the public and the commissioners, he said. We dont want youth to think we are unapproachable; if they need help, they can come to us. Were going to get back to enforcing the law the way it is supposed to be done.. 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 will always give you a fair shake, he said. His philosophy is to lead by example. 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. 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. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. An employee directory of phone numbers and email addresses for Macon County NC Government. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity. 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. 331 talking about this. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriffs race. 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. Outside of Old Fort, the Western North Carolina railroad bends around Andrews Geyser. Answer from candidate 3 Im not going to sit around and just let the drugs go crazy because were waiting on the big guy. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abc3707f8ab1c57b22438d4200acd0da" );document.getElementById("e96589b9de").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Im a law enforcement professional seeking to do what needs to be done through community involvement, he said. Length of Term Next Election Year On-Year or Off-Year Election* Term Limit Partisan or Non-Partisan Vacancy Filled By Notes What I am willing to do is to send all candidates the exact same questions, and these questions are basic get to know you questions and nothing more. 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! Dereck Jones has served in MCSO for 17 years and holds the rank of captain. 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. But for those who do not, I wanted to give you a glimpse into who I am and why I am requesting your support. The video was released after a group of North Carolina media organizations including Blue Ridge Public Radio filed a complaint seeking its release. 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. Brent Holbrooks was the top vote getter. I am a member of the Cullasaja Fire Department and have seen firsthand the integral role our volunteer fire departments and community centers have within our communities. Ill pat you on the back when you do a great job, but if you go against my policy, youll suffer the consequences., He said employees want to be treated fairly and equally. Were doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but youve got to have a willing body, he said. 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. He also wants to eventually increase the number of deputies on patrol to include one each in Highlands and Nantahala. He said when people dont get a response it leads them to think there is something to hide. Some of you know me as Deputy Holbrooks and more recently as Lieutenant Holbrooks, others know me as COACH. He was alderman of the city from 1889 to 1893. Jones lists drugs, community partnerships, and training as the top three issues facing the countys law enforcement. Holbrooks, the son of former Sheriff Holbrooks, said that in his 23 years while hes also worked courthouse security, he believes his greatest strengths are his abilities as an SRT operator and his experience in civil process. Many were close races. 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. Network Menu. Theres going to be a learning curve for everybody, he said. Bob Cook said he isnt running for sheriff as a career move. Cook retired after earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer with Surface Warfare Qualifications. As of now, there is a metal detector at the entrance that is often unmanned. The drug problem affects every single family in Macon County.. Bryson said he has three specific areas he believes he can enhance. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. 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. He also plans to create a task force with assistance from surrounding counties to perform undercover work and set up drug buys. The report Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) has once again shown its commitment to environmental stewardship by increasing its funding to $2,500 for the third year By Kristin Fox Next month, the Park It Forward Program will begin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriff's race. I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. Both divisions conduct themselves with professionalism with limited manpower. Holbrooks: My name is Brent and I am running for Sheriff of Macon County 2022. Browning said the county is already spending money to house inmates in other facilities and the time will come for a new jail. Republican Chris Browning, also running for sheriff, did not return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story. In-house training is helpful in retention as well. 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 am the only candidate who can confidently stand on my record as a law enforcement officer in Macon County. He worked for Western Carolina University Police for almost 14 years before moving on to work at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. of Cos. I believe it is imperative as Sheriff to visit these departments and the various community clubs throughout Macon County on a regular basis to bolster community relations and hear from citizens about what needs to be done and how we can better serve the county. Its county seat is Pittsboro.. Chatham County is part of the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area, which has a . These things, Im very passionate about. How do you think law enforcement can strengthen its response to these problems? As I have noted, I have spent approximately 14 years as an undercover Narcotics Detective. He said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community. Posted at 01:41h . 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. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A new candidate is now in the running for Macon County Sheriff. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. 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. I will be creative and innovative, using natural interpersonal skills learned from my family and generational roots. Sheriff Brent Holbrooks - 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner Dereck E. Jones - 2314 (31.57 percent) Clay Bryson - 1123 (15.32 percent) I have a great relationship with the community, he said. My heart is in the right place. She says that the recount will likely take place after Memorial Day. I was perfectly retired, he said. Root, who was sworn in as sheriff on Monday, June 21, was part of a court battle. I was the first detective in North Florida to investigate food stamp fraud.. Jones began as a junior detention officer but also served as a member of the special response team (SRT), the countys version of a SWAT team, and also worked patrol and investigations for several years. He has three years of college through the Columbia College, Columbia, Mo., and an Associates in Arts degree through the Los Angeles Community College. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. I worked the road, and when working the road, you have to know the ins and outs of the drug trade, he said. Just like every other department and business around the nation, everybody suffers staff shortages, he said. He also wants to provide officers more training on highway interdiction and assign deputies with canine support to work Highway 441. 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