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. Weve got to get out and listen to concerns, he said. of Cos. 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? He also said a larger facility built to code would give the county the opportunity to make money housing federal inmates. Bryson said Macon County is his home, his children and grandchild are growing up here and he is dedicated to providing them a safe community to grow up in. 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. Answer from candidate 5. so forth and so on. Candidate Chris Browning Clay Bryson Bob Cook Brent Holbrooks Dereck E. Jones Incumbency information for this election was not available. Length of Term Next Election Year On-Year or Off-Year Election* Term Limit Partisan or Non-Partisan Vacancy Filled By Notes At over 500 square miles, the majority of Macon County sits outside of the Franklin town limits. The majority of drugs come from Atlanta, and the majority of those drugs are coming from Mexico, he said. Welcome to the Macon County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, serving Franklin, Highlands and Nantahala Macon County, NC Sheriff's Office | Franklin NC The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. jobs in Macon County, NC Sort by: relevance - date 2,351 jobs Realtor/Real Estate Agent Blue Ridge Premier Realty Sylva, NC $50,000 - $100,000 a year Full-time Choose your own hours Requirements North Carolina Real Estate License North Carolina Real Estate Sales: 1 year Laboratory Manager Mountain Lakes Medical Center 2.4 Clayton, GA 30525 Were building leaders not just for today, but for tomorrow.. Brent Holbrooks was the top vote getter. He says his experience has prepared him to make the needed changes. 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. Finally, I will be a dedicated public servant, ensuring that your message of what matters most has standing within the Sheriff s Office.. Both Sarah and I enjoy coaching our little ones in community league sports, we also volunteer with various youth and childrens programs at Cowee Church, where we are both members. All rights reserved. I am community oriented and believe in community partnerships, Jones said. 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. While each election they hear promise after promise from those running or currently serving, this is the first time I have had the opportunity to make those promises. 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. 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. 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. Only Clay Bryson and Brent Holbrooks responded and here are their unedited responses. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. I have a great relationship with the community, he said. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. 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 am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. Like Jones, Holbrooks said getting courthouse security up to speed would be one of his early priorities. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. 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. He served in that capacity until 1897, with credit to himself and honor and profit to the people. He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. Holbrooks touted his experience coming face-to-face with the drug trade. I was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, and just recently promoted to Lieutenant over Civil process and Courthouse Security. Brent Holbrooks in Macon County won the. Outside of Old Fort, the Western North Carolina railroad bends around Andrews Geyser. I am also committed to moving Macon County forward into the future and making it a model department for all Western 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. 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.. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. I will work tirelessly to accomplish everything I have said I would do. That would give me one more per shift for a total of six. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. This site supports and informs our residents about voting, candidates, and events to promote this cause. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. Graham County will choose a Republican sheriff and Jackson County will choose a school board seat. But Im not working in that system. Upon retirement from the Navy, I went to the Police Academy in Jacksonville, Fla., after which I was hired by the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, Jacksonville Beach, Fla. After approximately two and a half years, I applied to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office where I remained for approximately 20 years. 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. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. Bryson said his interest in law enforcement flourished after participating in a youth program under former Sheriff Homer Holbrooks. If you can steer them away from that at an early age and follow them along, he said. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. Many citizens make the comment that they are told that it depends upon call volume. Were doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but youve got to have a willing body, he said. 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. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. He has three years of college through the Columbia College, Columbia, Mo., and an Associates in Arts degree through the Los Angeles Community College. 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. Many people in our county do not have smart phones or internet service and this will ensure they are all able to register complaint. How do you think law enforcement can strengthen its response to these problems? 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 be creative and innovative, using natural interpersonal skills learned from my family and generational roots. Do we need to add on to our facility? Im a father, Im a husband, and most importantly, Im a Christian, he said. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. Hear poetry from NC's poet laureate. 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. My wife Ariel and I have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. Those objections trigger a 90-day response time from the U.S. Forest Service. Id be happy if they had a term limit.. Join us for this ride! 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. 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. 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. He chose to run because people were telling him about the issues they were having in the community and with the Sheriffs Office. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News is publishing candidate profiles for local offices. This is one of the most frequently mentioned areas that citizens are unhappy with whether it is with drugs or property crimes. 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. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News will publish candidate profiles for local offices. P.O. The men and women of the MCSO also volunteer their . And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. He was born and raised in Newton, Iowa. I know how it affected me as a young man, he said. The Macon County Arrest Records Search (North Carolina) links below open in a new window and take you to third party websites that provide access to Macon County public records. When it comes to recruiting new officers, Cook plans to visit classes during the law enforcement training academy here and in nearby areas. Im the only one outside the department that can bring change.. They will appear in the same order as they are returned to me. Yes. As your Sheriff, I will be a problem-solver, dedicated to workplace, community and family balance. You never know where WUNC's events will take you. She says that the recount will likely take place after Memorial Day. 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. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. 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. Macon County NC Sheriff's Campaign Group 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina Board of Elections. Both divisions conduct themselves with professionalism with limited manpower. Perform a free Macon County, NC public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. 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 was alderman of the city from 1889 to 1893. Brent Holbrooks, Lt. Clay Bryson and Lt. Dereck Edward Jones. 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. Additionally, they would be primarily a backup officer to keep them free for K-9 duties. Many were close races. Questions for the Macon County Sheriff candidates. Any race decided less than a percentage point can head to a recount if requested. 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.. 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. He joined the Navy in August 1972 during the Viet Nam War and remained in the Navy until August 1992 during the Gulf War. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. Other officers are the best recruiters Ive got.. If they are a victim of a crime, it will be properly investigated. Tags News Franklin Macon County BPR News BPR Mayor Bob Scott Sheriff Sheriff Robert Holland Mayor Lilly Knoepp We need to be helping those who need help and want help, 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. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. Town of Waynesville will pursue staggered terms for aldermen, Residents object to LGBTQ literature at Macon library, After two weeks in court, a hung jury leads to mistrial in Knibbs case, Macon starts budget in good financial health. To submit a listing for consideration, click here . Bryson: I believe one significant area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations. Im not knocking what arrests are being done right now, he said. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. He says he will be running as a Republican candidate. They also agree on the need for more community patrolling and community involvement. Dereck Jones has served in MCSO for 17 years and holds the rank of captain. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. He said having the K9 units work closely with the narcotics division allows the department to better respond to drug related calls and investigations. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. Clay Bryson 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. 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). He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. Throughout my career, I served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. After 20 years of doing things the same way its time for a whole different approach and attitude.. Discuss North Carolina politics. Of course, others may step up to run for the office, but Root will be a tough incumbent to beat, considering everything that happened in the 2018 race aftermath. Candidates Jones,. He says he would put together a proposal that looks at what is being spent now compared to what a new facility would cost or could generate in revenue. 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. 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. 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. I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.. I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. He also wants to eventually increase the number of deputies on patrol to include one each in Highlands and Nantahala. 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. Many were close races. He says it is important for the department to have officers in the community. 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. Copyright 2022 BPR News. 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 . 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. Address. Wednesday, April 27, 2022. But for those who do not, I wanted to give you a glimpse into who I am and why I am requesting your support. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. They felt disenfranchised and saw what they considered as the good old boy club being treated differently than everyone else. His philosophy is to lead by example. 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! I have said from the time I announced my candidacy for sheriff that we must work together to fight this issue. At-large candidates: Democrats Sabrina Coone-Godfrey, Deanna Kaplan, Kimberly Stone and Richard Watts, all of Winston-Salem; Libertarian Regina Garner of Winston-Salem; Republicans Sarah Absher,. You can chose to answer all of the questions, one or two of the questions, or none of the questions. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. Melanie Thibault is director of the Macon County Board of Elections. Its another way to reach people.. 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) To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. Holbrooks wants to foster a positive work culture within the department and continue to advocate for competitive pay. I went around with a captain when we were looking at securing the courthouse with metal detectors and a lot of research went into what we needed and how we could organize and implement the program, he said. 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. Like Jones, Clay Bryson is a captain at MCSO, although he oversees the patrol division. North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) PO Box 27255 Raleigh NC 27611-7255. . 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