Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. Chris Browning welcomes all Macon County residents to a town hall style meet-and-greet. 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! 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. We have one of the best group of law enforcement officers across the country who dedicate their lives to protect and serve the citizens of Macon County every day. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. With Tony Brown retiring from the sheriff's office, Root will not be facing two formidable candidates in 2022. 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. I always stand firm that I am not a politician, but I am a family man that loves God, my family, and our country., Your email address will not be published. Macon County. To see more, visit BPR News. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. This week is Part I of the sheriffs candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. 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. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. 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. Personal, Professional, Education. He also wants to eventually increase the number of deputies on patrol to include one each in Highlands and Nantahala. Both divisions conduct themselves with professionalism with limited manpower. I had people tell me they wouldnt vote for anyone from the Macon County Sheriffs Office, he said. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. 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. Just like criminal enterprise is constantly evolving, so is law enforcement and I want to ensure that we evolve quicker and smarter for the betterment of my friends and neighbors., Cook: I am running for office because I see a need for a course correction. It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. This is one of the most frequently mentioned areas that citizens are unhappy with whether it is with drugs or property crimes. 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. 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. The number one thing were going to do right off the bat is were going to go after the community drug dealers, he said. The primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. Answer from candidate 4 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. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. She holds a masters degree in international journalism from the City University of New York and earned a double major from UNC-Chapel Hill in religious studies and political science. Bryson said his interest in law enforcement flourished after participating in a youth program under former Sheriff Homer Holbrooks. He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. 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. It gives us an idea on how to better prepare, he said. Jones said fighting the drug epidemic is two pronged: cutting off the drugs on the front end and providing rehabilitation/mental health assistance. 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 have a great relationship with the community, he said. 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. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News is publishing candidate profiles for local offices. He also said a larger facility built to code would give the county the opportunity to make money housing federal inmates. Jones lists drugs, community partnerships, and training as the top three issues facing the countys law enforcement. 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. 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 . 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 have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. Political Candidate Directory Featuring candidates for state, local and federal office. He said he decided to run because he wants to be part of moving the the office forward. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity. Cook: I am uniquely suited to address the drug epidemic in Macon County. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. Comment Im the only one outside the department that can bring change.. My wife, Sarah, a Macon County School Assistant Principal, and I invite you to learn more about our family and community perspectives by openly encouraging a dialogue between us. This is not a logical step in my career. 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. Combine that with the body scanner and it will be a much safer situation for everybody, he said. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. I will always give you a fair shake, he said. Your email address will not be published. As of now, there is a metal detector at the entrance that is often unmanned. Right now, I dont have a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault. 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. Address. Next, he wants to ensure drug laws are enforced within MCSO jurisdiction. since taking the oath of office on his 21st birthday in 2000. When citizens ask questions, respond to them, within the law, he said. We need to be hard on the dealers and traffickers, he said. 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. I was the first detective in North Florida to investigate food stamp fraud.. My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. I want to make our county safer for our families, he said. While the county also makes money housing inmates from other counties, Browning said if a facility were built to federal code, the county could be paid to house federal inmates. In addition, Bryson has served on the SRT for years and has been its commander since 2012. See our upcoming events and sign up to attend. Were going to get out there and do our jobs like were supposed to, he said. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. They were never stationed out there. Unless they have to call them, they dont see a deputy out there, 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. It will be so uncomfortable and so unprofitable they will want to go someplace else.. 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. 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. 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. They will appear in the same order as they are returned to me. We firmly believe that, working together, we CAN make a positive difference in our community. I will work tirelessly to accomplish everything I have said I would do. I will make sure my office is providing coverage to outlying communities. 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. But you also have to have something for them to look to, benefits and treating people right, he said. Bryson is the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. Were building leaders not just for today, but for tomorrow.. At least three members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office have already announced their intent to be his replacement including Sgt. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. 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. 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. Graham County will choose a Republican sheriff and Jackson County will choose a school board seat. Macon County NC Sheriff's Campaign Group Holbrooks noted that he has experience far beyond just encounters during patrol. 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. There are those that you arrest, and when they get in the jail setting, we need to make sure we have the adequate resources for them, he said. 07/07/2017. Check your voter registration status Learn about registering to vote Contact your county board of elections Common Cause NC 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. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. I dont think we need a new jail facility right now. he said. Were going to get back to enforcing the law the way it is supposed to be done.. 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. 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. Im a law enforcement professional seeking to do what needs to be done through community involvement, he said. I have served as a detention officer, deputy sheriff, corporal/field training officer, Special Response Team, patrol sergeant, juvenile investigator, criminal investigator, lieutenant, and currently captain jail administrator who has overseen a budget of at least $2.5 million and was tasked with updating the detention center policies and procedures in 2019, said Jones. My career choice in law enforcement dates back three generations! That would give me one more per shift for a total of six. 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.. Bob Cook said he isnt running for sheriff as a career move. 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. 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. He says his experience has prepared him to make the needed changes. Melanie Thibault is director of the Macon County Board of Elections. This site supports and informs our residents about voting, candidates, and events to promote this cause. These things, Im very passionate about. He says it is important for the department to have officers in the community. Phone. Cody Moore has officially announced his candidacy for the 2022 election . I am not looking for another career or a position for the next 20 years. Republican Chris Browning, also running for sheriff, did not return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story. Candidate Profiles: Macon County Sheriff Candidates By The Southern Scoop on April 26, 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. Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. 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. Persons must be registered 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. 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. He said the countys pay study helped get the departments salaries to a competitive level with other agencies in the area. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. Those residents deserve the same response and service from the Macon County Sheriffs Office as someone who lives in the center of town. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. I want to get into office, make the changes necessary and train the leaders of tomorrow within my agency.. In Macon, Cherokee and Clay Counties the sheriff's races were decided during the Republican primaries with no candidates from the other parties. Waynesville is Haywood Countys only municipal g Spring 2023 enrollment at Western Carolina Univers Haywood County Schools has new leaders at several Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority received a v Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. I worked the road, and when working the road, you have to know the ins and outs of the drug trade, he said. You never know where WUNC's events will take you. Cook believes that it will take someone from outside MCSO to fix it and noted that hes the best candidate to address the issues facing the community. Macon County Voting & Election Information Every United States citizen 18 years of age and older who have resided in the election district 30 days before an election is entitled to register and vote in that district. 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. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Early voting is underway across the state. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. Sep 22, 2021 Updated Sep 22, 2021. Itd be a reconstruction of the whole department.. 4) If you were not running for office, which of the other candidates would you vote for and why? Candidates Jones,. This election is not about me, its about you, meaning the public, and of course, our youth.. 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