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. Many of you already know me, my personality, and my character through our personal interactions over the years. An employee directory of phone numbers and email addresses for Macon County NC Government. However, I have been asked to help share information about the candidates so what I have decided is to send every candidate this same email (everyone is copied) and leave it up to you if you want to respond or not. It is much different than it was when my grandfather and father both served or even when I began my career 22 years ago. I was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, and just recently promoted to Lieutenant over Civil process and Courthouse Security. 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. 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. That is something the military instilled in me. Candidates Jones,. 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. 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. Brent Holbrooks Ive taken great pride to get to know the citizens of Macon County for almost 23 years. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Only Clay Bryson and Brent Holbrooks responded and here are their unedited responses. At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Currently they have five on a shift including the supervisor. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. 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. In addition to his law enforcement experience Holbrooks said his personality and passion for getting to know the public will be a benefit he brings to the office if elected. I will uphold the U.S. and N.C. Constitution. He also plans to create a task force with assistance from surrounding counties to perform undercover work and set up drug buys. 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. I will not edit, change, or omit anything. They were never stationed out there. TBD 11/09/2021 Chris Browning for Macon County Sheriff - Campaign Launch It's official! Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. Candidate Chris Browning Clay Bryson Bob Cook Brent Holbrooks Dereck E. Jones Incumbency information for this election was not available. 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. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. These same instructions will be posted on social media to let the public know the option that was given to candidates for full transparency. I intend on installing a drug tip hot line and making the supervisor over narcotics responsible to responses to the complaints. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. Bryson said his interest in law enforcement flourished after participating in a youth program under former Sheriff Homer Holbrooks. In 2018, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and became the detention center administrator. Absolutely for more bed space. 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. Do we need to add on to our facility? 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. They wanted a change in leadership. In 2017, once again it was promised they would get some officers out there for coverage and to this day, the only time they get a patrol unit out there is in response to a call for service. 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. NC Macon democratic party is to support ours believes that the government is to support the people. Were going to get out there and do our jobs like were supposed to, he said. He has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon County. To see more, visit BPR News. Jones lists drugs, community partnerships, and training as the top three issues facing the countys law enforcement. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. 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. Join us for this ride! Venus and Jupiter are going in for a nighttime kiss, Santorum joins North Carolina House GOP to push convention, UNCG School of Nursing plans to move its Ph.D. program entirely online, Author Kate Zernike dissects the years-long fight for gender equality at MIT, Graham and Jackson Counties vote in runoff elections, Judge releases dashcam video of Cawthorn driving while his license was revoked, The Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan received about 800 eligible objections, heres what happens now, Reaction to Cawthorn's move varies across WNC, Lost or forgotten no more: Incarcerated Black laborers that built WNC railroad memorialized. Five Republican candidates are vying to be the next sheriff of Macon County. Those objections trigger a 90-day response time from the U.S. Forest Service. Throughout his career, Bryson has served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. 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. 148 likes. I will make sure my people are responsible for doing their jobs., Cook said during his law enforcement career he was exposed to every facet of drug-related crimes. 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. Name on Ballot. I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. 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. 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. He also believes in treating people equally. The way we get around that is the education of our youth, he said. She says that the recount will likely take place after Memorial Day. We can strengthen the response in several ways. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A new candidate is now in the running for Macon County Sheriff. Macon County NC Sheriff's Campaign Group He says he will be running as a Republican candidate. Holbrooks final appeal was for people to trust his experience, not only with MCSO but within the greater community. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. From there, I then began working my way through the ranks as a corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, narcotics investigator, SWAT commander, K9 Supervisor/ Trainer, and now as Captain over Patrol. Work With Us. nc.gov; Website Feedback; Those residents deserve the same response and service from the Macon County Sheriffs Office as someone who lives in the center of town. 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. Cook: While each area can be improved upon, the Investigations area can use some improving. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. He has served many roles in the agency and is currently captain over patrol. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested and charged Evan Jordan Jensen, 30, with one felony count of indecent liberties with a child. When citizens ask questions, respond to them, within the law, he said. I believe in fairness. I want to work with other agencies around the area (city and county), state, and federal agencies and pool our resources to combat the ever growing drug problem. I am committed to fair and equal treatment of all citizens. 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. Quiz yourself on Black history. He was promoted to captain just when the office was restructured and the entire command staff received that rank. 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 also have been the affiant on 99 separate telephone facility wire intercepts. He plans to seek grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible. 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. 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. Im not knocking what arrests are being done right now, he said. 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. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. While he said he wants to reorganize the department and shrink it down to something more fiscally manageable, he also wants to increase patrols to certain outlying areas, such as Otto and Cowee. View Candidates by State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho 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. Dereck Jones has served in MCSO for 17 years and holds the rank of captain. They want unity. It hasnt even been a week since Congressman Madison Cawthorn announced he would run in North Carolinas newly drawn 13th district. He also spent approximately 14 years working in Narcotics where I was also on the Violent Crimes Task Force and the DEA Task Force. It was there that he was mentored by Holland before Holland was ever elected to his current position. This is one of the most frequently mentioned areas that citizens are unhappy with whether it is with drugs or property crimes. I take great pride in building personal and professional relationships here in Macon County, he said, adding that he is committed to the youth and believes he can make a difference in Highlands, Nantahala and other communities throughout the county. In January of 2005 I received his first promotion within the agency and have spent the last 21 years working in various capacities and now serves as Captain over Patrol. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity. If you can steer them away from that at an early age and follow them along, he said. Like Jones, Holbrooks said getting courthouse security up to speed would be one of his early priorities. The many be new to Macon County, but they are tried, and true methods used in most areas in the country. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. Macon County - Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. Draft N.C. 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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. Other officers are the best recruiters Ive got.. 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 Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. 2021 The Smoky Mountain News. My heart is in the right place. All rights reserved. In 2010, I transferred from road Corporal to Corporal over Civil Process and Courthouse Security. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News will publish candidate profiles for local offices. Im a husband, a father, but most importantly Im a Christian. 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. My three older children are young adults and they have been raised and educated here in Macon County. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. Bob Scott (828) 421-7843. The primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. Root, who was sworn in as sheriff on Monday, June 21, was part of a court battle. The transition period will be so important, he said. 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. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. I will promise to always give my best effort . This proactive approach, outside of the day-to-day in-school role of an SRO will increase the responsibility of SROs to be entire community representatives. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. Sheriff Brent Holbrooks - 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner Dereck E. Jones - 2314 (31.57 percent) Clay Bryson - 1123 (15.32 percent) I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. 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. 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. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. 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 . 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. He said law enforcement was once a respected profession but is now often looked at as a necessary evil.. He also wants to eventually increase the number of deputies on patrol to include one each in Highlands and Nantahala. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. 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. He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. 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. It gives us an idea on how to better prepare, he said. Copyright 2022 BPR News. I bring to the table experience. 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. 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. These things, Im very passionate about. I think we need to get ours back up to what it needs to be. 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! since taking the oath of office on his 21st birthday in 2000. Holbrooks touted his experience coming face-to-face with the drug trade. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. 0. No Democrat is running for sheriff in Graham County. He said there is always room for improvement when it comes to transparency and communicating with the community. 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. Weve got to do what we can and deal with them appropriately when they get here.. These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. I am the right individual for this position. 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.. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. Cody Moore has officially announced his candidacy for the 2022 election . The Detention Center is one of the highest liability areas in the Agency., Jones: Personnel. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. He chose to run because people were telling him about the issues they were having in the community and with the Sheriffs Office. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . We dont plan to change that model. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. 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. Posted at 01:41h . 331 talking about this. A newly released video shows Congressman Madison Cawthorns March 3 traffic stop. Additionally, I was told by several citizens they would never vote for a member of the Sheriffs Office again. I will take on the drug dealers in each community and work with outside agencies to provide help to addicts. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. Jones said that while some old-school methods may still work, any organization must change with the times. As your Sheriff, I will be a problem-solver, dedicated to workplace, community and family balance. 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. I serve on several boards for the youth league sports, including the little league boys basketball and baseball., Bryson: This is my first time running for an elected position., Bryson: With Sheriff Hollands announcement that he will be retiring at the end of his current term, after much prayer and with the support of my family, I decided that I wanted to be part of progressing the sheriffs office forward. We have to get better doing this patrol thing, 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. 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. It was unique that he was my mentor when I was just 11 to 12 years old, and now hes my boss, Bryson 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. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. Bryson is the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. 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. 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. 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.. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. 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. I felt that the only way to ensure these concerns were addressed properly was to no longer sit on the sidelines. Answer from candidate 2 With that being said, we need to get the courthouse secured, and we need to get the X-ray machines up and going.. 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. 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 will always give you a fair shake, he said. I am the only candidate who has experience in every division under the Sheriffs Office running for this position. 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 SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. 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. Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. 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). She isnt surprised by the recount. Network Menu. So, the question isnt whether you know me, the real question you may ask is can I vote for Brent Holbrooks as Macon Countys next Sheriff? My vision for the Office of Sheriffs simple, BE A STRONG YET COMPASSIONATE LEADER who listens to every voice equally a leader that is in-touch with the residents, a leader that understands what being a public law enforcement servant is all about, a leader that respects everyone. That would give me one more per shift for a total of six. When it comes to getting new officers, Bryson said the department will continue to recruit through the law enforcement academies and job fairs. I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. 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. Any drug arrest is a good arrest. The majority of drugs come from Atlanta, and the majority of those drugs are coming from Mexico, he said. 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. Bryson enrolled in Basic Law Enforcement Training at Southwestern Community College in the Fall of 1999 to begin his career and on April 11, 2000, Brysons 21st birthday, he took his Oath of Office with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. Neither Bryson or Holbrooks answered this question, which was their right to do. Throughout my career with the Sheriffs Office. 4) If you were not running for office, which of the other candidates would you vote for and why? To view listings in your area, search by state below. I worked the road, and when working the road, you have to know the ins and outs of the drug trade, he said. 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. Tags News Franklin Macon County BPR News BPR Mayor Bob Scott Sheriff Sheriff Robert Holland Mayor Lilly Knoepp I was perfectly retired, he said. I will make sure my office is providing coverage to outlying communities. He served in that capacity until 1897, with credit to himself and honor and profit to the people. That increased presence and visibility will only benefit the county as a whole. If I says I will accomplish something, I will make every effort to get it done. This site supports and informs our residents about voting, candidates, and events to promote this cause. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. Perform a free Macon County, NC public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. I want them to know that I will never knowingly let them down. The men and women of the MCSO also volunteer their . Many citizens make the comment that they are told that it depends upon call volume. I am community oriented and believe in community partnerships, Jones said.

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