macon county nc sheriff candidates

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. 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. Some of you know me as Sarahs husband or Aprils brother, but I am proud to say that most of you know me simply as Brent. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. 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. Jones lists drugs, community partnerships, and training as the top three issues facing the countys law enforcement. 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. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. Macon Countys rural nature, paired with geographical challenges puts the outlying areas of the county just as Nantahala and Burningtown at a disadvantage. Money doesnt always buy happiness, he said. The goal is to make it better for everybody in this county., Cook said improvements need to be made to the existing jail and eventually the county will need a new facility. I want to make our county safer for our families, he said. It hasnt even been a week since Congressman Madison Cawthorn announced he would run in North Carolinas newly drawn 13th district. 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. Brent Holbrooks was the top vote getter. They wanted a change in leadership. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. Yes. To see more, visit BPR News. Quiz yourself on Black history. Were doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but youve got to have a willing body, he said. Im not knocking what arrests are being done right now, he said. 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. She isnt surprised by the recount. It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. 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. Bryson: Having the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County, I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity to best serve the community as Macon Countys next Sheriff. When it comes to recruiting new officers, Cook plans to visit classes during the law enforcement training academy here and in nearby areas. 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. I am committed to fair and equal treatment of all citizens. Browning served in the U.S. Air Force and spent five years working as a road deputy in Macon County before operating his own businesses for the past 17 years. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. Analyze how and why you love the way you do. 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. I am also committed to moving Macon County forward into the future and making it a model department for all Western North Carolina. 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. 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. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount 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. 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. Bryson: I believe one significant area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations. 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. The video was released after a group of North Carolina media organizations including Blue Ridge Public Radio filed a complaint seeking its release. 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. I am the only candidate who has experience in every division under the Sheriffs Office running for this position. The SROs are vigilant; they keep their eyes open, he said. The transition period will be so important, he said. 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. Weve got to get out and listen to concerns, he said. 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.. This is something I believe we desperately need, he said. 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. Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. Items below are placed at the cadidates request, in the order received. I give you my word that it will be printed exactly how it is submitted. Welcome to the Macon County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, serving Franklin, Highlands and Nantahala Macon County, NC Sheriff's Office | Franklin NC 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. 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. Macon County Beekeepers will hold their Bee School, Saturday, February 11 and Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. 1 month ago NC 4-H Camps Selected to Participate in NC State Crowdfunding Campaign 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. Throughout my career, I served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. There were five candidates in the race. Its ridiculous.. In his current district, the political consequences of his decision are only just beginning to emerge. Bob Cook said he isnt running for sheriff as a career move. Lastly, I would look at the manning in the courthouse and other areas to see who may be able to move to this vital area.. 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. 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. 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. Early voting is underway across the state. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. Please post about new candidates running, your candidate, opinions and talking points. 1) Give me a brief bio. Holbrooks noted that he has experience far beyond just encounters during patrol. Additionally, I was told by several citizens they would never vote for a member of the Sheriffs Office again. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. 86 SUMMIT DR FRANKLIN, NC 28734 Many were close races. I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.. This isnt something that I take lightly, as I have been preparing for this day for many years.. Graham County will choose a Republican sheriff and Jackson County will choose a school board seat. I am not a politician. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. As Sheriff, my passion for direct, hands-on, community-based policies would be a constant throughout the department. Jones: I have spoken to many residents across the county who share the same concerns as the Nantahala community whether they live there or not. 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. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. They want to know, If Im going by the rules, everybody has to be going by the rules., He said he will hold people responsible for doing the jobs they were hired to do. 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 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. 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. 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. I have worked every major position, he said. Republican Chris Browning, also running for sheriff, did not return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story. These things, Im very passionate about. 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. They also agree on the need for more community patrolling and community involvement. 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. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. Browning said leadership is key in recruiting and keeping officers. Current Candidate List for Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties: Macon County: Board of Commissioners District 1: Don Wilis- Republican John Shearl- Republican Board of Commissioners District 2: Ronnie Beale- Democrat Betty Cloer Wallace- Democrat Gary Shields- Republican Richard Lightner- Republican Danny Antoine- Republican 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. 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. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. Brent Holbrooks is a lieutenant at the MCSO who has been with the office about 23 years. It was there that he was mentored by Holland before Holland was ever elected to his current position. He said the countys pay study helped get the departments salaries to a competitive level with other agencies in the area. He says increasing community patrols will be important in curbing the drug issues as well as other criminal activity. 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. 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. 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,. In 2018, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and became the detention center administrator. It is a battle were going to continue to fight., Bryson sees the drug problem as the number one issue facing the county. 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. 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. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. At least three members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office have already announced their intent to be his replacement including Sgt. Do we need to add on to our facility? In Macon, Cherokee and Clay Counties the sheriff's races were decided during the Republican primaries with no candidates from the other parties. 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. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. 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. There were five candidates in the race. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. He plans to be out in the community where people can see him and get to know him. 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. 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. 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. 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. But you also have to have something for them to look to, benefits and treating people right, he said. A dog is the number one tool in the war on drugs, he said. I believe in fairness. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. I am a passionate, dedicated law enforcement officer who puts God first, family second and career third. I also have been the affiant on 99 separate telephone facility wire intercepts. Im a father, Im a husband, and most importantly, Im a Christian, he said. 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. 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. He also spent approximately 14 years working in Narcotics where I was also on the Violent Crimes Task Force and the DEA Task Force. You can chose to answer all of the questions, one or two of the questions, or none of the questions. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. 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. 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. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriffs race. 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.. It started me leaning this direction and was very impactful on my life.. Macon County is my home. 2021 The Smoky Mountain News. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. 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 says a lot of the drug arrests are people being charged with possession, but there needs to be more emphasis on those selling and manufacturing. I will press for community-related policies that prompt our Deputies to work with other stakeholders as role models so that, together, our investment in the younger generation yields solid and measurable results. I have proudly served under Sheriff Robbie Holland in a variety of progressively more responsible leadership roles that I hope to have culminate in being elected Sheriff in 2022. He said in that capacity, his investigations, which included the use of wire taps, led to the seizure of kilograms of methamphetamine and crack cocaine at a time. This is one of the most frequently mentioned areas that citizens are unhappy with whether it is with drugs or property crimes. Answer from candidate 5. so forth and so on. Cody Moore has officially announced his candidacy for the 2022 election . 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. When citizens ask questions, respond to them, within the law, he said. 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. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. He has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon County. The drug problem affects every single family in Macon County.. Phone. The upkeep of the building., I have a deep commitment to our next generation of our youth, Holbrooks said. 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