I will not edit, change, or omit anything. Perform a free Macon County, NC public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. 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. Search by document type. They were never stationed out there. We can let them know what we are doing and what we can do., He said while the Sheriffs Office has an app to share information with people, not everyone has may have access to technology or internet service. 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. My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! Additionally, they would be primarily a backup officer to keep them free for K-9 duties. 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. Cook: I would like the voters to know I am not one that is used to failure. 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. 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. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. Next, he wants to ensure drug laws are enforced within MCSO jurisdiction. 91.1 Welcome 91.9 Fayetteville 90.5 Buxton BPR explains some of the objections. 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 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. I want to make our county safer for our families, he said. View campaign finance documents for any committee registered with the State Board by searching key words for the title of the committee or the name of the candidate, or find penalties assessed to state committees at the Campaign Document Search by Entity. The report Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) has once again shown its commitment to environmental stewardship by increasing its funding to $2,500 for the third year By Kristin Fox Next month, the Park It Forward Program will begin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Comment 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. He would like to add a body scanner to check for drugs or weapons coming into the jail and repurpose some positions to add another person per shift. 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. Answer from candidate 1 It's not a new car just big thoughts on planet Earth, Look up! The SROs are vigilant; they keep their eyes open, he said. I am community oriented and believe in community partnerships, Jones said. 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. I want the voters to know they can rely on me. He wants to have six deputies working per shift including a K9 unit on a regular patrol shift. Its ridiculous.. As I have noted, I have spent approximately 14 years as an undercover Narcotics Detective. 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 . 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. I have worked every major position, he said. 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. To see more, visit BPR News. 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. I returned back as road patrol officer and shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Corporal. 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. 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. Candidates Jones,. There are five GOP candidates on the ballot: Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Chris Browning. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. I believe in adequate coverage for all citizens. I give you my word that it will be printed exactly how it is submitted. 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. 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. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. Persons must be registered Were doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but youve got to have a willing body, he said. I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.. He has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon County. 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. 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. Because they are our most valuable asset, it is imperative that we find ways to incentivize our agency and make the retention and recruitment of employees a priority, otherwise, we will continue to put time and money into training new officers only for them to leave to go to other agencies. I dont. 0. 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 a great relationship with the community, he said. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. 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. Weve got to get out and listen to concerns, he said. Money doesnt always buy happiness, he said. I feel that my experience in that area coupled with my leadership and management experience makes me uniquely and more qualified to address the burgeoning drug problem. We need to make sure we have a secure courthouse and a secure jail or were going to have big problems.. 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. Related to community partnerships is educating youth not only about the dangers such as drug use, but also showing them opportunities available. In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. Voters in half a dozen cities are choosing mayors and other municipal positions. I also have been the affiant on 99 separate telephone facility wire intercepts. 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. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. 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 To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. There were five candidates in the race. Address. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. News and Updates Events TBD Meet-and-Greet Hotdog Dinner Get to know Chris Browning. I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. She isnt surprised by the recount. 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. 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. While hed owned property in Franklin since 1999, he and his late wife moved up permanently in 2015. law enforcement today has changed! The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (Task Force) has submitted its 2023 Annual Report to Governor Cooper and the NC General Assembly. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. As of now, there is a metal detector at the entrance that is often unmanned. 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.. Quiz yourself on Black history. Thousands of incarcerated laborers built this railroad and nearly all of them were African American. Only Clay Bryson and Brent Holbrooks responded and here are their unedited responses. Born and raised in Newton, Iowa, Cook joined the Navy in 1972 and served until 1992 as a personnel specialist. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. of Cos. That is something the military instilled in me. That would give me one more per shift for a total of six. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. Macon County - Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002. We need to be helping those who need help and want help, he said. That is why I plan to constantly seek out grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible in Western North Carolina. Its usually more so in the local elections. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. He chose to run because people were telling him about the issues they were having in the community and with the Sheriffs Office. 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.. Questions for the Macon County Sheriff candidates. I am a passionate, dedicated law enforcement officer who puts God first, family second and career third. 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. Cook also wants to review safety protocols for the jail and the courthouse. 4) If you were not running for office, which of the other candidates would you vote for and why? This week is Part I of the sheriffs candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount 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 am the only candidate who has experience in every division under the Sheriffs Office running for this position. By Jake Browning on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 Elections to choose Macon County's next sheriff won't begin until next year, but the race has already become more of a high speed chase. Jones said fighting the drug epidemic is two pronged: cutting off the drugs on the front end and providing rehabilitation/mental health assistance. They want someone who will allow them to go out and do their job and support them in doing their job, he said. I am pleased to say that the academy did a lot of good for me because I moved back to Macon County eager to pursue a career in law enforcement and was very focused on attaining my goals. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. 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. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Career Opportunities. He wants to see more cooperation with federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration. We have an academy in our backyard, we need to be utilizing that as much as possible, he said. I cant be successful as Sheriff without you, which is why I promise to work alongside you to continue to improve the quality of life here in Macon County, together. 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. 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! As Sheriff, my passion for direct, hands-on, community-based policies would be a constant throughout the department. 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. Network Menu. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. 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. I have become known over the years as a person that listens carefully to what people have to say.. 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. 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. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. This isnt something that I take lightly, as I have been preparing for this day for many years.. Extreme aggressiveness on the drug problem, thats the number one problem, he said. Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. 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. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. Ive seen many people come ask for assistance.. Items below are placed at the cadidates request, in the order received. Official community group for the Macon County NC Sheriff's Election. Ive served as team leader on the SWAT team for 15 years, while employed at the Macon County Sheriffs Office. I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News is publishing candidate profiles for local offices. Just like every other department and business around the nation, everybody suffers staff shortages, he said. Posted at 01:41h . Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. 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. 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. What do you see as the strongest area currently within the department? Absolutely for more bed space. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. I am also committed to moving Macon County forward into the future and making it a model department for all Western North Carolina. 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. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. The K-9 Officers would be stationed in a zone that would enable them to be mobile in the event of a requirement for their services. 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. 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. Weve got to do what we can and deal with them appropriately when they get here.. Throughout my career with the Sheriffs Office. Holbrooks wants to foster a positive work culture within the department and continue to advocate for competitive pay. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. Neither Bryson or Holbrooks answered this question, which was their right to do. I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. 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. Cook: While each area can be improved upon, the Investigations area can use some improving. Jones said the jail was built in 1999 and by 2005 was already reaching capacity. Next, I would take the four K-9 Officers and place one per shift. I am a member of the Cullasaja Fire Department and have seen firsthand the integral role our volunteer fire departments and community centers have within our communities. 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. Cook: I am uniquely suited to address the drug epidemic in Macon County. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. I felt that the only way to ensure these concerns were addressed properly was to no longer sit on the sidelines. 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. 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. I will promise to always give my best effort . 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. 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. We have to start with the kids, he said. I am not a politician. 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