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. 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. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. My three older children are young adults and they have been raised and educated here in Macon County. Filing Date. It was unique that he was my mentor when I was just 11 to 12 years old, and now hes my boss, Bryson said. Copyright 2022 BPR News. We need to be hard on the dealers and traffickers, he said. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. 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 was born and raised in Newton, Iowa. Im a husband, a father, but most importantly Im a Christian. Cook: I would like the voters to know I am not one that is used to failure. As I embrace this journey to become your Sheriff, I do so knowing that together we can make a difference. He said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community. If you can steer them away from that at an early age and follow them along, he said. Macon County is my home. This starts within our schools and each individual community. 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. 0. With much of my career being spent on patrol, I have experienced the shortages but it wasnt until I became Captain that I was able to see the administrative and structural difficulties of ensuring coverage across the county. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. Long-time sheriff Robert Holland announced his retirement in June 2021; he was first elected to the office in 2002. 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. Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. Brent Holbrooks was the top vote getter. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. The sheriff is not a title for me, he said. Phone. Graham County will choose a Republican sheriff and Jackson County will choose a school board seat. Many people in our county do not have smart phones or internet service and this will ensure they are all able to register complaint. Im big on community involvement and bringing our youth up to know and to show school-age children who we are.. He said he decided to run because he wants to be part of moving the the office forward. 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. In-house training is helpful in retention as well. Sheriff Brent Holbrooks - 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner Dereck E. Jones - 2314 (31.57 percent) Clay Bryson - 1123 (15.32 percent) 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 says his experience has prepared him to make the needed changes. Growing up in Franklin, I attended public school in the Franklin area until my late high school days; when I chose to attend and graduate from Military School; I graduated from the Academy in 1994. Many citizens make the comment that they are told that it depends upon call volume. I want the voters to know they can rely on me. I am the only candidate who has experience in every division under the Sheriffs Office running for this position. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News is publishing candidate profiles for local offices. It was there that he was mentored by Holland before Holland was ever elected to his current position. Please post about new candidates running, your candidate, opinions and talking points. 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. 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. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. 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. In his current district, the political consequences of his decision are only just beginning to emerge. 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. Wednesday, April 27, 2022. This is where I grew up; where my children and grandchildren are growing up. Career Opportunities. 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. 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. In the past, I have worked as an undercover narcotics officer and bought drugs undercover in neighboring counties, he said. I was the first detective in North Florida to investigate food stamp fraud.. 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. Right now, I dont have a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault. In Macon, Cherokee and Clay Counties the sheriff's races were decided during the Republican primaries with no candidates from the other parties. Outside of Old Fort, the Western North Carolina railroad bends around Andrews Geyser. The drug problem affects every single family in Macon County.. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. He also wants to reintroduce a cadet program similar to the one he participated in as a young man when Sheriff Holland was his mentor. He said none of the candidates, including himself, know all the daily responsibilities that come with being sheriff. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Macon County Sheriff's Office takes a proactive approach to law enforcement--focusing on working WITH the public and preventing crime before it happens. No Democrats are running in the race, which means whoever is elected in the May 17 primary will likely be the incoming sheriff to take office at the end of the year. I enjoy taking my children to the woods to hunt and learn about gun safety. The mission of this school is to produce prograrn graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed productive citizens. That would give me one more per shift for a total of six. 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. I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. These same instructions will be posted on social media to let the public know the option that was given to candidates for full transparency. He said having the K9 units work closely with the narcotics division allows the department to better respond to drug related calls and investigations. 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. My grandfather, Jack Holbrooks, worked for the Highlands Police Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty in 1967. Brent Holbrooks in Macon County won the. . 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. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. Were going to get out there and do our jobs like were supposed to, he said. With that being said, we need to get the courthouse secured, and we need to get the X-ray machines up and going.. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. CANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST: Candidate Name. Following is Part II of the sheriff's candidate profiles featuring Brent Holbrooks and Chris Browning. 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. Shortly after Ashe was elected sheriff in 2002, Gunnels left "because of the politics involved." 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina Board of Elections. 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 Bryson said the decision to run for sheriff wasnt made lightly and only came after a good deal of prayer and discussion with his family. I am the only candidate who can confidently stand on my record as a law enforcement officer in Macon County. We can strengthen the response in several ways. 91.1 Welcome 91.9 Fayetteville 90.5 Buxton That is something the military instilled in me. 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. They want unity. 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. 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 nc.gov; Website Feedback; A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriffs race. Cook: While each area can be improved upon, the Investigations area can use some improving. Next, I will meet with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the DEA as well as other federal authorities to discuss our needs. 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. The drug problem in Macon County and surrounding areas is epidemic. 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. Bryson attends Community Bible Church in Highlands and is an active member of the community. I am the right individual for this position. This week is Part I of the sheriffs candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. Were building leaders not just for today, but for tomorrow.. In Macon County Republican primary, Brent Holbrooks defeated Dereck Jones by just 54 votes, or .74% (32.31% to 31.57%). Right now, we are trying to work with the county and schedule a time to have this done.. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. For all the drugs coming out of Atlanta, Athens, right through Macon County, into Jackson County, Swain County.. This isnt something that I take lightly, as I have been preparing for this day for many years.. Jones began as a junior detention officer but also served as a member of the special response team (SRT), the countys version of a SWAT team, and also worked patrol and investigations for several years. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (Task Force) has submitted its 2023 Annual Report to Governor Cooper and the NC General Assembly. Holbrooks touted his experience coming face-to-face with the drug trade. Brent Holbrooks said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfathers decades of service to Macon County. 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. 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. Yes. 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. Absolutely for more bed space. 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 have a great relationship with the community, he said. 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. Additionally, they would be primarily a backup officer to keep them free for K-9 duties. Address. Those objections trigger a 90-day response time from the U.S. Forest Service. Jones: Combating the drug epidemic, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas. I spoke to a MCSO Street supervisor and asked what it would take to get coverage into those areas. Holbrooks final appeal was for people to trust his experience, not only with MCSO but within the greater community. 4) If you were not running for office, which of the other candidates would you vote for and why? We have an academy in our backyard, we need to be utilizing that as much as possible, 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. The way we get around that is the education of our youth, he said. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. 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. But Im not working in that system. They will appear in the same order as they are returned to me. 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. I felt that the only way to ensure these concerns were addressed properly was to no longer sit on the sidelines. 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. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. 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. Recruitment and retention of officers is an issue not just locally, but across the country. We are all fighting the same problem and dealing with many of the same offenders across jurisdictions. I am also committed to moving Macon County forward into the future and making it a model department for all Western North Carolina. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. His three-prong approach to the problem includes education, enforcement and rehabilitation. 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. 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) Holbrooks wants to foster a positive work culture within the department and continue to advocate for competitive pay. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1992, retiring a second time from his civilian career, he had more than 22 years of experience serving in a variety of law enforcement positions. Answer from candidate 1 I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. Five Republican candidates are vying to be the next sheriff of Macon County. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. 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. Like Jones, Holbrooks said getting courthouse security up to speed would be one of his early priorities. Cook: Considering the Nantahala Community currently has only as a School Resource Officer in their community, they absolutely need additional officers. 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