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.. 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. Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. He said there are some safety improvements needed. We have to get better doing this patrol thing, 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. 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. I am the only candidate who can confidently stand on my record as a law enforcement officer in Macon County. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. This isnt something that I take lightly, as I have been preparing for this day for many years.. 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. 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. 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. Personal blog 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) 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. 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.. In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. At least three members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office have already announced their intent to be his replacement including Sgt. He also plans to create a task force with assistance from surrounding counties to perform undercover work and set up drug buys. Some of you know me as Sarahs husband or Aprils brother, but I am proud to say that most of you know me simply as Brent. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. Republican Chris Browning, also running for sheriff, did not return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story. Browning said the county is already spending money to house inmates in other facilities and the time will come for a new jail. 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. In 2018, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and became the detention center administrator. These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. Answer from candidate 2 Bryson said he thinks the county has outgrown the jail and he would work with the County Commissioners to look at the pros and cons of a new facility or housing inmates out of county. Holbrooks touted his experience coming face-to-face with the drug trade. I have a great relationship with the community, he said. Im passionate about what I do, he said. 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. 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. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. He wants to see officers more involved with the countys youth through community programs and youth sports. 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. He was promoted to captain just when the office was restructured and the entire command staff received that rank. Welcome to the Macon County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, serving Franklin, Highlands and Nantahala Macon County, NC Sheriff's Office | Franklin NC Weve got to do what we can and deal with them appropriately when they get here.. Its the highest liability position, and during the last three and a half years, Ive had the opportunities administratively to work on the budget with the chief deputy, Jones said. He says he would put together a proposal that looks at what is being spent now compared to what a new facility would cost or could generate in revenue. North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) PO Box 27255 Raleigh NC 27611-7255. . Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. NC Macon democratic party is to support ours believes that the government is to support the people. I give you my word that it will be printed exactly how it is submitted. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. It's Official, There's A New Sheriff (candidate) In Town. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. Shortly after Ashe was elected sheriff in 2002, Gunnels left "because of the politics involved." 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. They want unity. Following is Part II of the sheriff's candidate profiles featuring Brent Holbrooks and Chris Browning. Like Jones, Clay Bryson is a captain at MCSO, although he oversees the patrol division. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. 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. With Tony Brown retiring from the sheriff's office, Root will not be facing two formidable candidates in 2022. Early voting is underway across the state. It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. 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. 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. How do you think law enforcement can strengthen its response to these problems? He also wants to provide officers more training on highway interdiction and assign deputies with canine support to work Highway 441. The many be new to Macon County, but they are tried, and true methods used in most areas in the country. I believe in fairness. Jones said that while he understands sheriff is a political position, he is a deputy before hes a politician, and thats the way hed intend to run the office. My three older children are young adults and they have been raised and educated here in Macon County. 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 . 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: While it is difficult to pick between the Detention Center and Patrol, the strongest area of the department appears to be the patrol division. Please post about new candidates running, your candidate, opinions and talking points. 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.. 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. He says that starts with the community drug dealers. To view listings in your area, search by state below. My wife Ariel and I have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. I think we need to get ours back up to what it needs to be. I am committed to fair and equal treatment of all citizens. 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. 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! 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. Macon County is my home. Were building leaders not just for today, but for tomorrow.. 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 also wants to reintroduce a cadet program similar to the one he participated in as a young man when Sheriff Holland was his mentor. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. Long-time sheriff Robert Holland announced his retirement in June 2021; he was first elected to the office in 2002. 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. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. He said law enforcement was once a respected profession but is now often looked at as a necessary evil.. Next, I will meet with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the DEA as well as other federal authorities to discuss our needs. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity. With more arrests comes the need for more jail space. Career Opportunities. The men and women of the MCSO also volunteer their . 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. 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. But Im not working in that system. To submit a listing for consideration, click here . During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. This starts within our schools and each individual community. Id be happy if they had a term limit.. 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 am not a politician. There were five candidates in the race. I want to look at what can be done without costing a lot of money and to be a good steward of taxpayer money, he said. Im a father, Im a husband, and most importantly, Im a Christian, he said. I spoke to a MCSO Street supervisor and asked what it would take to get coverage into those areas. It's not a new car just big thoughts on planet Earth, Look up! 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 Like Jones, Holbrooks said getting courthouse security up to speed would be one of his early priorities. He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. 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. Posted at 01:41h . 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. I want them to know that I will never knowingly let them down. My heart is in the right place. Full time position - Macon County Sheriff's Department Posted 07/06/2021 Notice of Employment Deputy Sheriff The Macon County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for a Deputy Sheriff to work at the Macon County Sheriff's Office in Oglethorpe, Georgia. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount 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. His philosophy is to lead by example. 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). Extreme aggressiveness on the drug problem, thats the number one problem, he said. While he has served in a few different capacities, hes currently in charge of the county detention center. Jones said that along with combating the ongoing drug issues and associated property and domestic violence crimes including a push to enhance drug treatment and community interdiction services a big priority of his would be enhancing courthouse security. 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. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriff's race. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. Jones: Combating the drug epidemic, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas. The way we get around that is the education of our youth, he said. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. 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. 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. Many were close races. of Cos. 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. 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. From there, he began working his way through the ranks as a corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, narcotics investigator, SWAT commander, K9 Supervisor/ Trainer, and now as Captain over Patrol. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. Melanie Thibault is director of the Macon County Board of Elections. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. My career choice in law enforcement dates back three generations! Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. I will also not lie to them. This election is not about me, its about you, meaning the public, and of course, our youth.. She isnt surprised by the recount. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. He has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon County. 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. Im not going to sit around and just let the drugs go crazy because were waiting on the big guy. Recruitment and retention of officers is an issue not just locally, but across the country. 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. 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. 1) Give me a brief bio. He sees the top issues facing the countys law enforcement as drugs, patrol coverage, the perception of good old boys running the county and a lack of trust by citizens. Bryson: I believe one significant area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations. Im constantly in schools, thats my heart., I will press for community related policies that will prompt our deputies to work with our stakeholders as role models, so that, together, our investment in the younger generation yields solid and measurable results.. When it comes to recruiting new officers, Cook plans to visit classes during the law enforcement training academy here and in nearby areas. 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. P.O. Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. Cook also wants to review safety protocols for the jail and the courthouse. I will promise to always give my best effort . Most of these concerns centered around the drug problem in Macon County. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. I was advised they would need seven road deputies, including the supervisor. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. Related to community partnerships is educating youth not only about the dangers such as drug use, but also showing them opportunities available. 86 SUMMIT DR FRANKLIN, NC 28734 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. Voters in half a dozen cities are choosing mayors and other municipal positions. I worked the road, and when working the road, you have to know the ins and outs of the drug trade, he said. 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. 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. What specific areas within the existing department can be changed in terms of budgetary items to fund additional officers in Nantahala, is it even possible? He was born and raised in Newton, Iowa. Im big on community involvement and bringing our youth up to know and to show school-age children who we are.. Bob Scott (828) 421-7843. Chris seeks to restore faith and trust in the Macon County Sheriff's Office through service to the community built on the core values of honesty, leadership, and integrity. 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