I have said from the time I announced my candidacy for sheriff that we must work together to fight this issue. He chose to run because people were telling him about the issues they were having in the community and with the Sheriffs Office. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. He was born and raised in Newton, Iowa. I intend to ask for a partnership with our federal partners who will work with us and the U.S. Attorneys Office to ensure we are getting the sentences we need to rid our community of those who supply the poison to our families. 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. 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. This is one of the most frequently mentioned areas that citizens are unhappy with whether it is with drugs or property crimes. North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) PO Box 27255 Raleigh NC 27611-7255. . Macon County. Many people in our county do not have smart phones or internet service and this will ensure they are all able to register complaint. 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. 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. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. 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. Many citizens make the comment that they are told that it depends upon call volume. 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. He said he decided to run because he wants to be part of moving the the office forward. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. 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. Bryson: The strongest area within the Macon County Sheriffs Office is our employees. I was advised they would need seven road deputies, including the supervisor. He says he will be running as a Republican candidate. Analyze how and why you love the way you do. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. I am the only candidate who can confidently stand on my record as a law enforcement officer in Macon County. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. Quiz yourself on Black history. Holbrooks: My name is Brent and I am running for Sheriff of Macon County 2022. Any drug arrest is a good arrest. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News will publish candidate profiles for local offices. I know how it affected me as a young man, 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.. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! Questions for the Macon County Sheriff candidates. Jones said education is important and he wants to expand training opportunities for the department. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction. We are all fighting the same problem and dealing with many of the same offenders across jurisdictions. I am a passionate, dedicated law enforcement officer who puts God first, family second and career third. See our upcoming events and sign up to attend. 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. 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. They will be able to count on me and I will not let them down. 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. The only elections here in Western North Carolina are runoffs. I want to instill trust in the community once again. Answer from candidate 5. so forth and so on. Im the only one outside the department that can bring change.. 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. Cook: While each area can be improved upon, the Investigations area can use some improving. I will always give you a fair shake, he said. He said a good leader recognizes who the best people are, making them part of the leadership staff and delegating when possible. 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. 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 Cody Moore has officially announced his candidacy for the 2022 election . 148 likes. 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 worked at Jacksonville Beach Police Department for two and a half years then transferred over to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and stayed 22 years there, Cook said. Bob Cook said he isnt running for sheriff as a career move. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriff's race. If people have a question, they can ask me; if they have a complaint, they can complain.. He served in that capacity until 1897, with credit to himself and honor and profit to the people. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. 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. Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. After 20 years of doing things the same way its time for a whole different approach and attitude.. Other officers are the best recruiters Ive got.. Ive seen many people come ask for assistance.. In addition, Bryson has served on the SRT for years and has been its commander since 2012. This is where I grew up; where my children and grandchildren are growing up. It's Official, There's A New Sheriff (candidate) In Town. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. 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. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News is publishing candidate profiles for local offices. Welcome to the Macon County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, serving Franklin, Highlands and Nantahala Macon County, NC Sheriff's Office | Franklin NC 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. 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. She says that the recount will likely take place after Memorial Day. To submit a listing for consideration, click here . 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. I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. She is a native of Franklin, NC who returns to WNC after serving as the assistant editor of Women@Forbes and digital producer of the Forbes podcast network. Recruitment and retention of officers is an issue not just locally, but across the country. 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. Its usually more so in the local elections. View Candidates by State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho 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. Jones said the jail was built in 1999 and by 2005 was already reaching capacity. The Office of Macon County Sheriff serves our community with a highly motivated, professional staff of individuals who strive to treat everyone with respect and courtesy. They will appear in the same order as they are returned to me. Unless they have to call them, they dont see a deputy out there, he said. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. Brent Holbrooks was the top vote getter. Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. Do we need to add on to our facility? We have one of the best group of law enforcement officers across the country who dedicate their lives to protect and serve the citizens of Macon County every day. That would result in seven per shift. Brent Holbrooks 2022 Election --- Office of Sheriff Updated: 01/09/2023 3:37pm SHERIFF PRIMARY ELECTION POTENTIAL 2ND PRIMARY GENERAL ELECTION SHERIFF Cabarrus Sheriff Van Shaw (R) Sheriff Van Shaw (R) Caldwell Sheriff Alan C. Jones (R) Sheriff Alan C. Jones (R) Camden Sheriff Kevin Jones (R) Sheriff Kevin Jones (R) Carteret Sheriff Asa B. Buck, III (R) Sheriff Asa B. Buck, III (R) document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abc3707f8ab1c57b22438d4200acd0da" );document.getElementById("e96589b9de").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. News and Updates Events TBD Meet-and-Greet Hotdog Dinner Get to know Chris Browning. They were never stationed out there. Bryson: I believe one significant area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations. With six deputies on duty, that will allow one each in Highlands and Nantahala with the remainder covering the rest of 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. 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. 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. 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. He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. Official community group for the Macon County NC Sheriff's Election. . Additionally, they would be primarily a backup officer to keep them free for K-9 duties. He said having the K9 units work closely with the narcotics division allows the department to better respond to drug related calls and investigations. CANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST: Candidate Name. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. I worked for the of Franklin While I eagerly awaited my 21 birthday, when I could begin the BLET program. 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. Posted at 01:41h . Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. Macon County NC Sheriff's Campaign Group Many of you already know me, my personality, and my character through our personal interactions over the years. I bring to the table experience. Answer from candidate 4 I will then print each candidates response to the questions in their entirety. Im a husband, a father, but most importantly Im a Christian. 2021 The Smoky Mountain News. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. I am not a politician. I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.. Jones: I have been blessed to have worked with some really good law enforcement professionals over the years while on patrol and in investigations. We need to make sure we have a secure courthouse and a secure jail or were going to have big problems.. It isnt as simple as promising extra bodies in remote areas its a complex puzzle of peak call times, types of calls received, areas that can afford to go with less to bolster other areas of need. The many be new to Macon County, but they are tried, and true methods used in most areas in the country. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. Macon County - Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002. 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. Sheriff Brent Holbrooks - 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner Dereck E. Jones - 2314 (31.57 percent) Clay Bryson - 1123 (15.32 percent) We need to be helping those who need help and want help, he said. Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. I have a great relationship with the community, he said. The video was released after a group of North Carolina media organizations including Blue Ridge Public Radio filed a complaint seeking its release. Cook: I would like the voters to know I am not one that is used to failure. 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 . Yes. 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. In-house training is helpful in retention as well. 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 has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon 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. But they are tried, and true methods used in most areas in role... 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