At over 500 square miles, the majority of Macon County sits outside of the Franklin town limits. I am the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. 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. He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. Brent Holbrooks, Lt. Clay Bryson and Lt. Dereck Edward Jones. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. 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. 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. This is not a logical step in my career. As your Sheriff, I will be a problem-solver, dedicated to workplace, community and family balance. Quiz yourself on Black history. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. 331 talking about this. A newly released video shows Congressman Madison Cawthorns March 3 traffic stop. Im the only one outside the department that can bring change.. Jones said he is a people person and wants people to know they can talk to him. It is my goal to create an environment within the agency that supports and uplifts all employees while providing them with the salary, benefits, and continued training needed to better themselves which will allow them to better serve our community. Answer from candidate 5. so forth and so on. My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! Questions for the Macon County Sheriff candidates. 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. 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 . Personal blog To submit a listing for consideration, click here . Its usually more so in the local elections. Network Menu. 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. Sheriff Robert Holland announced on June 18 that he would Premium Content is available to subscribers only. He said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. Weve got to get out and listen to concerns, he said. 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. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. This is one of the most frequently mentioned areas that citizens are unhappy with whether it is with drugs or property crimes. Weve got to reach out.. 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. Ive taken great pride to get to know the citizens of Macon County for almost 23 years. I will take on the drug dealers in each community and work with outside agencies to provide help to addicts. I will not edit, change, or omit anything. Lastly, is there anything else you would like voters to know? Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. I decided to enter the race as a candidate to make a difference not only in the lives of the citizens of Macon County, but also in the operation of the Sheriffs Office., Jones: Macon County is my home. P.O. Holbrooks touted his experience coming face-to-face with the drug trade. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. One of the first ways I plan to accomplish this is to refocus the agencies SRO [School Resource Officer] program and to improve the program for all these officers to be more than SROs I want them to be active community law enforcement officers that are geared toward proactive policing and reform. I have deep commitment to all Maconians and to our youth. 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. 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. I was the first detective in North Florida to investigate food stamp fraud.. I worked for the of Franklin While I eagerly awaited my 21 birthday, when I could begin the BLET program. It's Official, There's A New Sheriff (candidate) In Town. It is a battle were going to continue to fight., Bryson sees the drug problem as the number one issue facing the county. . Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. Cook: Considering the Nantahala Community currently has only as a School Resource Officer in their community, they absolutely need additional officers. I am a man of my word. 1) Give me a brief bio. 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. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriff's race. Throughout his career, Bryson has served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. 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. Browning said leadership is key in recruiting and keeping officers. Career Opportunities. Other officers are the best recruiters Ive got.. I am not looking for another career or a position for the next 20 years. Cook also wants to review safety protocols for the jail and the courthouse. Bryson said incarceration is not going to solve all the problems related to the drug epidemic. Bryson said his interest in law enforcement flourished after participating in a youth program under former Sheriff Homer Holbrooks. The drug problem affects every single family in Macon County.. Jones said that while some old-school methods may still work, any organization must change with the times. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. 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. Im very approachable. I am the only candidate who has experience in every division under the Sheriffs Office running for this position. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. Melanie Thibault is director of the Macon County Board of Elections. Bryson said his education and his years with the department have given him boots-on-the ground experience coupled with administrative duties such as managing a budget, writing policy and implementing programs. Macon County. He also wants to provide officers more training on highway interdiction and assign deputies with canine support to work Highway 441. Related to community partnerships is educating youth not only about the dangers such as drug use, but also showing them opportunities available. If people have a question, they can ask me; if they have a complaint, they can complain.. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. Money doesnt always buy happiness, he said. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. Since 2012, hes also trained canines not only for MCSO but also other regional agencies. Answer from candidate 3 They wanted a change in leadership. 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. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. Neither Bryson or Holbrooks answered this question, which was their right to do. Phone. 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. Im passionate about what I do, he said. 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.. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. He plans to seek grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible. 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. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. 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. I was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, and just recently promoted to Lieutenant over Civil process and Courthouse Security. Brent Holbrooks 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. 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. This is something I believe we desperately need, he said. This is where I grew up; where my children and grandchildren are growing up. Robin Gunnels was born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina and moved to Sylva in 1983. 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. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. Early voting across North Carolina begins today (April 28) with the Primary voting day set for May 17. 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 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. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. My three older children are young adults and they have been raised and educated here in Macon County. Bryson is the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. Sep 22, 2021 Updated Sep 22, 2021. I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.. View campaign finance documents for any committee registered with the State Board by searching key words for the title of the committee or the name of the candidate, or find penalties assessed to state committees at the Campaign Document Search by Entity. Bob Cook said he isnt running for sheriff as a career move. There were five candidates in the race. With six deputies on duty, that will allow one each in Highlands and Nantahala with the remainder covering the rest of the county. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Macon County Sheriff Jim Root has announced he will run for reelection in 2022. Free Independent Weekly Newspaper - Distributed in Franklin, Highlands, Dillsboro, Webster, Cullowhee, Scaly Mountain, N.C.; Dillard & Clayton, Ga. Franklin Town Council Holds Annual Retreat, Macon County missionary returns from frontlines of Ukraine War, FHS cheer team reaches Nationals for first time. When it comes to recruiting new officers, he plans to reach out to community colleges and universities and suggests offering incentive pay for officers with prior law enforcement experience, training and certifications. 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. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriffs race. Like Jones, Clay Bryson is a captain at MCSO, although he oversees the patrol division. 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 I also have been the affiant on 99 separate telephone facility wire intercepts. Jones: Combating the drug epidemic, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas. That is something the military instilled in me. Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. He plans to be out in the community where people can see him and get to know him. 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. I have become known over the years as a person that listens carefully to what people have to say.. I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. If I says I will accomplish something, I will make every effort to get it done. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. Civil process is one of the sheriffs three statutorily mandated duties and requires deputies to serve individuals with non-criminal papers, including domestic violence protective orders. I want to get into office, make the changes necessary and train the leaders of tomorrow within my agency.. Holbrooks wants to foster a positive work culture within the department and continue to advocate for competitive pay. As Sheriff, my passion for direct, hands-on, community-based policies would be a constant throughout the department. 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. Answer from candidate 2 Extreme aggressiveness on the drug problem, thats the number one problem, he said. With Tony Brown retiring from the sheriff's office, Root will not be facing two formidable candidates in 2022. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. As I embrace this journey to become your Sheriff, I do so knowing that together we can make a difference. 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.. rowan county nc mugshots 2020 27 Feb. rowan county nc mugshots 2020. I am the only candidate who can confidently stand on my record as a law enforcement officer in Macon County. These same instructions will be posted on social media to let the public know the option that was given to candidates for full transparency. Henderson County Sheriff Erik Summey Republican Charles McDonald Republican Michael Brown Republican Jackson County Board of Education District 4 Judy Watson Henry Ali Laird-Large Wanda. Were going to get out there and do our jobs like were supposed to, he said. While Cook is comfortably retired and doesnt need the income from a job, he said he feels called to the position because hes worried about a good ol boys system.. 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. At the same time, we must continue to expand upon mental health and substance abuse programs within the detention facility and beyond to help those in need that request assistance. Voters in half a dozen cities are choosing mayors and other municipal positions. OFFICE OF SHERIFF STATE-BY-STATE ELECTIONS INFORMATION STATE Elections Division Website State Elections Division Sheriffs' Election Info No. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. 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