Career Opportunities. An employee directory of phone numbers and email addresses for Macon County NC Government. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. No Democrat is running for sheriff in Graham County. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount
Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. Jones said fighting the drug epidemic is two pronged: cutting off the drugs on the front end and providing rehabilitation/mental health assistance. 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 have a proven track record of doing just that while being the jail administrator since 2018. Early voting is underway across the state. Currently they have five on a shift including the supervisor. 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! 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. He said a good leader recognizes who the best people are, making them part of the leadership staff and delegating when possible. 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. Its not a want, its a need for the county and long-term its going to save money, he said. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. 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. 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. The video was released after a group of North Carolina media organizations including Blue Ridge Public Radio filed a complaint seeking its release. If they are a victim of a crime, it will be properly investigated. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. They wanted a change in leadership. In addition, Bryson has served on the SRT for years and has been its commander since 2012. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. 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. He said there are some safety improvements needed. My grandfather, Jack Holbrooks, worked for the Highlands Police Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty in 1967. 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. Tags News Franklin Macon County BPR News BPR Mayor Bob Scott Sheriff Sheriff Robert Holland Mayor Lilly Knoepp 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. Brent Holbrooks was the top vote getter. 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. Name on Ballot. Brent Holbrooks is a lieutenant at the MCSO who has been with the office about 23 years. Each candidate has previous law enforcement experience, including three who currently work for the Sheriffs Office. This election and change of administration is not about reinventing the wheel, but about putting the right person in office to move this county forward. It hasnt even been a week since Congressman Madison Cawthorn announced he would run in North Carolinas newly drawn 13th district. He said none of the candidates, including himself, know all the daily responsibilities that come with being sheriff. His education program would include more trained School Resource Officers, including a roving K9 unit and K9 demonstrations in the schools. To view listings in your area, search by state below. It's Official, There's A New Sheriff (candidate) In Town. 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. 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. I want to make our county safer for our families, he said. 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 give you my word that it will be printed exactly how it is submitted. We work to create a safe environment for Macon County residents and visitors by preserving the peace and enforcing the laws. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much. 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. Search by document type. The majority of drugs come from Atlanta, and the majority of those drugs are coming from Mexico, he said. 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. Answer from candidate 3 I will not edit, change, or omit anything. This is something I believe we desperately need, he said. Its another way to reach people.. 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. Lastly, is there anything else you would like voters to know? They will appear in the same order as they are returned to me. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (Task Force) has submitted its 2023 Annual Report to Governor Cooper and the NC General Assembly. Answer from candidate 4 Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. I felt that the only way to ensure these concerns were addressed properly was to no longer sit on the sidelines. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. 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.. Were going to get back to enforcing the law the way it is supposed to be done.. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. 2021 The Smoky Mountain News. This site supports and informs our residents about voting, candidates, and events to promote this cause. This is not a logical step in my career. In 1893 he was elected by the largest vote received by any candidate, as a member of the first board of county commissioners of Chatham under the new law for such boards that went into effect at that time. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. The only elections here in Western North Carolina are runoffs. Jones said he is a people person and wants people to know they can talk to him. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriff's race. He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. Since 2012, hes also trained canines not only for MCSO but also other regional agencies. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. Finally, he wants to focus on rehabilitation. Itd be a reconstruction of the whole department.. Holbrooks noted that he has experience far beyond just encounters during patrol. He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. Of those five men, three currently serve under Holland at MCSO, although in different divisions, while the others are newcomers with their own unique backgrounds in law enforcement. I intend on installing a drug tip hot line and making the supervisor over narcotics responsible to responses to the complaints. Bryson said incarceration is not going to solve all the problems related to the drug epidemic. I want to talk to them and find out what they need., He wants to increase patrol coverage to cover all parts of the county. They want someone who will allow them to go out and do their job and support them in doing their job, he said. OFFICE OF SHERIFF STATE-BY-STATE ELECTIONS INFORMATION STATE Elections Division Website State Elections Division Sheriffs' Election Info No. 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) Personal blog 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. In January 2005 Bryson received his first promotion within the agency and has spent the last 21 years working in various capacities and now serves as Captain over Patrol. Bryson said he has three specific areas he believes he can enhance. Macon County is my home. 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. Brent Holbrooks in Macon County won the. 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. 331 talking about this. Ive seen many people come ask for assistance.. 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. Voters in half a dozen cities are choosing mayors and other municipal positions. Extreme aggressiveness on the drug problem, thats the number one problem, he said. 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. A dog is the number one tool in the war on drugs, he said. Im big on community involvement and bringing our youth up to know and to show school-age children who we are.. Clay Bryson Bryson attends Community Bible Church in Highlands and is an active member of the community. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. Bob Scott (828) 421-7843. 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. I am the only candidate who can confidently stand on my record as a law enforcement officer in Macon County. I am also committed to moving Macon County forward into the future and making it a model department for all Western North Carolina. 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 primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. She says that the recount will likely take place after Memorial Day. The many be new to Macon County, but they are tried, and true methods used in most areas in the country. For all the drugs coming out of Atlanta, Athens, right through Macon County, into Jackson County, Swain County.. 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. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. Many were close races. Shortly after Ashe was elected sheriff in 2002, Gunnels left "because of the politics involved." The mission of this school is to produce prograrn graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed productive citizens. Id be happy if they had a term limit.. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriffs race. 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. He also wants to eventually increase the number of deputies on patrol to include one each in Highlands and Nantahala. We have to get better doing this patrol thing, he said. Network Menu. I want to boost their role in the agency as focusing our SROs on being the first line of defense for proactive policing and reaching the next generation. 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. 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. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. I will always give you a fair shake, 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. 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 bring to the table experience. They want unity. What sets Bryson apart from the field more than anything may be his 21 years running police canines. Of course, others may step up to run for the office, but Root will be a tough incumbent to beat, considering everything that happened in the 2018 race aftermath. I will be creative and innovative, using natural interpersonal skills learned from my family and generational roots. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Ive taken great pride to get to know the citizens of Macon County for almost 23 years. 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. We have to start with the kids, he said. It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. 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. 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. Born and raised in Newton, Iowa, Cook joined the Navy in 1972 and served until 1992 as a personnel specialist. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . Length of Term Next Election Year On-Year or Off-Year Election* Term Limit Partisan or Non-Partisan Vacancy Filled By Notes Long-time sheriff Robert Holland announced his retirement in June 2021; he was first elected to the office in 2002. Additionally, I was told by several citizens they would never vote for a member of the Sheriffs Office again. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. To see more, visit BPR News. 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. Bryson: The strongest area within the Macon County Sheriffs Office is our employees. The men and women of the MCSO also volunteer their . I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. We dont want youth to think we are unapproachable; if they need help, they can come to us. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Macon County Sheriff Jim Root has announced he will run for reelection in 2022. With that being said, we need to get the courthouse secured, and we need to get the X-ray machines up and going.. 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. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. With six deputies on duty, that will allow one each in Highlands and Nantahala with the remainder covering the rest of the county. 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.. Personal, Professional, Education. The following is a combination of information from in-person interviews each candidate did with The Franklin Press and answers they provided via a questionnaire from The Press. 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. 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. Wednesday, April 27, 2022. 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. I have said from the time I announced my candidacy for sheriff that we must work together to fight this issue. I was perfectly retired, he said. Throughout his career, Bryson has served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. Candidate Chris Browning Clay Bryson Bob Cook Brent Holbrooks Dereck E. Jones Incumbency information for this election was not available. If elected he plans to invite the commissioners and other officials to tour the jail. Holbrooks, the son of former Sheriff Holbrooks, said that in his 23 years while hes also worked courthouse security, he believes his greatest strengths are his abilities as an SRT operator and his experience in civil process. 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. 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