0. 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. 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. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested and charged Evan Jordan Jensen, 30, with one felony count of indecent liberties with a child. 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. I want them to know that I will never knowingly let them down. I will take on the drug dealers in each community and work with outside agencies to provide help to addicts. Chris seeks to restore faith and trust in the Macon County Sheriff's Office through service to the community built on the core values of honesty, leadership, and integrity. At over 500 square miles, the majority of Macon County sits outside of the Franklin town limits. He is also employed as an adjunct instructor of law enforcement training at Southwestern Community College where he instructs Basic Law Enforcement Training cadets, National Park Service, in-service training, and anything else at the request of the college. 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. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. 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. 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. 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. Answer from candidate 5. so forth and so on. Brent Holbrooks was the top vote getter. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us. We have an academy in our backyard, we need to be utilizing that as much as possible, he said. They will appear in the same order as they are returned to me. I returned back as road patrol officer and shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Corporal. Holbrooks noted that he has experience far beyond just encounters during patrol. He said the Sheriffs Office must continue to help educate the community about drug and substance abuse and he wants to see more mental health and rehabilitation resources available. Bryson said incarceration is not going to solve all the problems related to the drug epidemic. We dont plan to change that model. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount
This election and change of administration are not about reinventing the wheel, but about putting the right person in office to move this county forward. Quiz yourself on Black history. This is where I grew up; where my children and grandchildren are growing up. 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. Shortly after Ashe was elected sheriff in 2002, Gunnels left "because of the politics involved." The primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. Like Jones, Clay Bryson is a captain at MCSO, although he oversees the patrol division. That would result in seven per shift. They want someone who will allow them to go out and do their job and support them in doing their job, he said. The drug problem in Macon County and surrounding areas is epidemic. Ive served as team leader on the SWAT team for 15 years, while employed at the Macon County Sheriffs Office. 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. Yes. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. With Tony Brown retiring from the sheriff's office, Root will not be facing two formidable candidates in 2022. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. It is a battle were going to continue to fight., Bryson sees the drug problem as the number one issue facing the county. 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 perfectly retired, he said. Early voting across North Carolina begins today (April 28) with the Primary voting day set for May 17. Any drug arrest is a good arrest. Candidate Chris Browning Clay Bryson Bob Cook Brent Holbrooks Dereck E. Jones Incumbency information for this election was not available. Robin Gunnels was born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina and moved to Sylva in 1983. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. 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. But for those who do not, I wanted to give you a glimpse into who I am and why I am requesting your support. 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. BPR explains some of the objections. 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. I want to get into office, make the changes necessary and train the leaders of tomorrow within my agency.. They felt disenfranchised and saw what they considered as the good old boy club being treated differently than everyone else. That increased presence and visibility will only benefit the county as a whole. Although I left for around three years from 2004 until 2008, I bought back all of my time, making me the candidate with the most years of service at the MCSO; 22 years of service (23-years in May 2022). I worked the road, and when working the road, you have to know the ins and outs of the drug trade, he said. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. Many were close races. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity. Do we need to add on to our facility? 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. 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. It started me leaning this direction and was very impactful on my life.. Extreme aggressiveness on the drug problem, thats the number one problem, he said. 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. 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. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (Task Force) has submitted its 2023 Annual Report to Governor Cooper and the NC General Assembly. 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. Im a law enforcement professional seeking to do what needs to be done through community involvement, he said. Items below are placed at the cadidates request, in the order received. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. Personal, Professional, Education. This is where I grew up; where my children and grandchildren are growing up. There were five candidates in the race. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. Those objections trigger a 90-day response time from the U.S. Forest Service. I have a totally different vision of anybody thats working there now., He said after 20 years with one administration, its time for a change. He said there are some safety improvements needed. Captain Clay Bryson was born and raised in Macon County and has spent half of his life, 21 years to be exact, as a law enforcement officer with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. 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. I have said from the time I announced my candidacy for sheriff that we must work together to fight this issue. Republican Chris Browning, also running for sheriff, did not return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story. The Office of Macon County Sheriff serves our community with a highly motivated, professional staff of individuals who strive to treat everyone with respect and courtesy. Jones said that while some old-school methods may still work, any organization must change with the times. All rights reserved. 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. Im a father, Im a husband, and most importantly, Im a Christian, he said. Ive taken great pride to get to know the citizens of Macon County for almost 23 years. Sheriff Brent Holbrooks - 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner Dereck E. Jones - 2314 (31.57 percent) Clay Bryson - 1123 (15.32 percent) 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. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. What Otto needs from me as Sheriff may be different from what Highlands needs and I want to hear that from those who work and live in those communities every day. To view listings in your area, search by state below. Additionally, they would be primarily a backup officer to keep them free for K-9 duties. The drug problem affects every single family in Macon County.. He wants to see more cooperation with federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration. But you also have to have something for them to look to, benefits and treating people right, he said. I am the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. 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. Bryson: I am Captain Clay Bryson and I was born and raised in Macon County and have spent half of my life, 21 years to be exact, as a Law Enforcement Officer with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. Its ridiculous.. 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 specific areas within the existing department can be changed in terms of budgetary items to fund additional officers in Nantahala, is it even possible? I know that I cant always be by their side, so what better way to protect them than to work for an agency that allows you to face the evil in our communities head-on. He has three years of college through the Columbia College, Columbia, Mo., and an Associates in Arts degree through the Los Angeles Community College. Chris Browning, Clay Bryson, Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, and Dereck E. Jones ran in the Republican primary for Macon County Sheriff on May 17, 2022. He was alderman of the city from 1889 to 1893. 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. Well start with these intermediate community drug dealers and work our way up., He believes for too long the system has been set up to work from the top down with officers on the lookout for the big guys., Weve never got the big guy here. He thinks the solution is starting at the bottom with the local dealers. I am not a politician. Jones said the jail was built in 1999 and by 2005 was already reaching capacity. Breeden for School Board Facebook Page Antoine for Commisioner Facebook Link 2019 Citizen of the Year Article CONTACT US Mailing Address: Macon County Republican Party PO Box 595 Franklin, NC 28744 Email: maconrepublicans@gmail IN GOD WE TRUST These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. Yet, the fundamentals of community-based policies and a passion to do what is right must remain constant. The honest truth is, no, we arent exactly where we need to be, but I want to continue to build on what so many in this department have worked hard to create. She says that the recount will likely take place after Memorial Day. since taking the oath of office on his 21st birthday in 2000. Cody Moore served as the Decatur Police Department's Deputy Chief until 2016 when he retired. I will make sure my office is providing coverage to outlying communities. She isnt surprised by the recount. 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 want to instill trust in the community once again. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. He said having the K9 units work closely with the narcotics division allows the department to better respond to drug related calls and investigations. 07/07/2017. Recruitment and retention of officers is an issue not just locally, but across the country. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. Following is Part II of the sheriff's candidate profiles featuring Brent Holbrooks and Chris Browning. In-house training is helpful in retention as well. Dereck Jones has served in MCSO for 17 years and holds the rank of captain. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. I have to serve the needs of the public and the commissioners, he said. Comment 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. 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. I have a proven track record of doing just that while being the jail administrator since 2018. He said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community. 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. He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. We work to create a safe environment for Macon County residents and visitors by preserving the peace and enforcing the laws. Hear poetry from NC's poet laureate. Jones: Combating the drug epidemic, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas. 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. 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. 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. Filing Date. He also wants to provide officers more training on highway interdiction and assign deputies with canine support to work Highway 441. They wanted a change in leadership. 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. Cook: I am uniquely suited to address the drug epidemic in Macon County. 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. 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. Brent Holbrooks In January 2005 Bryson received his first promotion within the agency and has spent the last 21 years working in various capacities and now serves as Captain over Patrol. I am committed to fair and equal treatment of all citizens. From there, he began working his way through the ranks as a corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, narcotics investigator, SWAT commander, K9 Supervisor/ Trainer, and now as Captain over Patrol. The way we get around that is the education of our youth, he said. Political Candidate Directory Featuring candidates for state, local and federal office. Finally, I will be a dedicated public servant, ensuring that your message of what matters most has standing within the Sheriff s Office.. Name on Ballot. Cook also wants to review safety protocols for the jail and the courthouse. 2022 Election --- Office of Sheriff Updated: 01/09/2023 3:37pm SHERIFF PRIMARY ELECTION POTENTIAL 2ND PRIMARY GENERAL ELECTION SHERIFF Cabarrus Sheriff Van Shaw (R) Sheriff Van Shaw (R) Caldwell Sheriff Alan C. Jones (R) Sheriff Alan C. Jones (R) Camden Sheriff Kevin Jones (R) Sheriff Kevin Jones (R) Carteret Sheriff Asa B. Buck, III (R) Sheriff Asa B. Buck, III (R) It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. He says he will be running as a Republican candidate. Perform a free Macon County, NC public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. Holbrooks: My name is Brent and I am running for Sheriff of Macon County 2022. 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. Bryson said he thinks the county has outgrown the jail and he would work with the County Commissioners to look at the pros and cons of a new facility or housing inmates out of county. 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