Political Candidate Directory Featuring candidates for state, local and federal office. Holbrooks touted his experience coming face-to-face with the drug trade. Bryson said his interest in law enforcement flourished after participating in a youth program under former Sheriff Homer Holbrooks. Answer from candidate 2 I am the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. Civil process is one of the sheriffs three statutorily mandated duties and requires deputies to serve individuals with non-criminal papers, including domestic violence protective orders. 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. If elected he plans to invite the commissioners and other officials to tour the jail. It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. Shortly after Ashe was elected sheriff in 2002, Gunnels left "because of the politics involved." Official community group for the Macon County NC Sheriff's Election. 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. Cook retired after earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer with Surface Warfare Qualifications. The Detention Center is one of the highest liability areas in the Agency., Jones: Personnel. All rights reserved. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. 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. since taking the oath of office on his 21st birthday in 2000. 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. 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. 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 Brent Holbrooks in Macon County won the. News and Updates Events TBD Meet-and-Greet Hotdog Dinner Get to know Chris Browning. I have said from the time I announced my candidacy for sheriff that we must work together to fight this issue. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. of Cos. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. Meet NPR hosts and reporters. Bryson: I believe one significant area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. I have worked every major position, he said. 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. We need to be helping those who need help and want help, he said. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. I was advised they would need seven road deputies, including the supervisor. 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. 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. I have a great relationship with the community, he said. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. He says a lot of the drug arrests are people being charged with possession, but there needs to be more emphasis on those selling and manufacturing. These same instructions will be posted on social media to let the public know the option that was given to candidates for full transparency. Some of you know me as Deputy Holbrooks and more recently as Lieutenant Holbrooks, others know me as COACH. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (Task Force) has submitted its 2023 Annual Report to Governor Cooper and the NC General Assembly. 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. 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. They wanted a change in leadership. It gives us an idea on how to better prepare, he said. Personal, Professional, Education. I born 45 years ago and raised right here in Macon County. My career choice in law enforcement dates back three generations! I am the right individual for this position. 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. Im not knocking what arrests are being done right now, he said. I will always give you a fair shake, he said. 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. Those objections trigger a 90-day response time from the U.S. Forest Service. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. 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. Id be happy if they had a term limit.. We dont want youth to think we are unapproachable; if they need help, they can come to us. Your email address will not be published. Sheriff Robert Holland announced on June 18 that he would Premium Content is available to subscribers only. . I dont. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. She isnt surprised by the recount. In 2018, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and became the detention center administrator. In Macon County Republican primary, Brent Holbrooks defeated Dereck Jones by just 54 votes, or .74% (32.31% to 31.57%). Clay Bryson Bryson is the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. Comment Answer from candidate 1 Im a husband, a father, but most importantly Im a Christian. 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. As your Sheriff, I will be a problem-solver, dedicated to workplace, community and family balance. Throughout my career with the Sheriffs Office. 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. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. Hear poetry from NC's poet laureate. His education program would include more trained School Resource Officers, including a roving K9 unit and K9 demonstrations in the schools. With that being said, we need to get the courthouse secured, and we need to get the X-ray machines up and going.. Many citizens make the comment that they are told that it depends upon call volume. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. They were never stationed out there. Macon County is my home. He also wants to provide officers more training on highway interdiction and assign deputies with canine support to work Highway 441. He says it is important for the department to have officers in the community. 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.. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. The number one thing were going to do right off the bat is were going to go after the community drug dealers, he said. 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. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. Born and raised in Newton, Iowa, Cook joined the Navy in 1972 and served until 1992 as a personnel specialist. I am the only candidate who has experience in every division under the Sheriffs Office running for this position. 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina Board of Elections. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. CANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST: Candidate Name. He says that starts with the community drug dealers. We need to be hard on the dealers and traffickers, he said. I want the voters to know they can rely on me. 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. Right now, I dont have a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. 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. Yes. Jones: I am not a politician. He also plans to create a task force with assistance from surrounding counties to perform undercover work and set up drug buys. I have become known over the years as a person that listens carefully to what people have to say.. 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. Check your voter registration status Learn about registering to vote Contact your county board of elections Common Cause NC Macon County Voting & Election Information Every United States citizen 18 years of age and older who have resided in the election district 30 days before an election is entitled to register and vote in that district. Ive served as team leader on the SWAT team for 15 years, while employed at the Macon County Sheriffs Office. At-large candidates: Democrats Sabrina Coone-Godfrey, Deanna Kaplan, Kimberly Stone and Richard Watts, all of Winston-Salem; Libertarian Regina Garner of Winston-Salem; Republicans Sarah Absher,. I give you my word that it will be printed exactly how it is submitted. He said there is always room for improvement when it comes to transparency and communicating with the community. Network Menu. If they are a victim of a crime, it will be properly investigated. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. This is where I grew up; where my children and grandchildren are growing up. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. 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. 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. 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. You can chose to answer all of the questions, one or two of the questions, or none of the questions. Thousands of incarcerated laborers built this railroad and nearly all of them were African American. He also said a larger facility built to code would give the county the opportunity to make money housing federal inmates. The people in Nantahala want to know someone is close by so they dont have to wait an hour.. Like Jones, Clay Bryson is a captain at MCSO, although he oversees the patrol division. I will also not lie to them. Republican Chris Browning, also running for sheriff, did not return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story. I also have been the affiant on 99 separate telephone facility wire intercepts. Jones lists drugs, community partnerships, and training as the top three issues facing the countys law enforcement. 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). 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. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. I take great pride in building personal and professional relationships here in Macon County, he said, adding that he is committed to the youth and believes he can make a difference in Highlands, Nantahala and other communities throughout the county. That would result in seven per shift. Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. Bob Cook said he isnt running for sheriff as a career move. It was unique that he was my mentor when I was just 11 to 12 years old, and now hes my boss, Bryson said. At least three members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office have already announced their intent to be his replacement including Sgt. 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. Were doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but youve got to have a willing body, he said. But for those who do not, I wanted to give you a glimpse into who I am and why I am requesting your support. 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. Name on Ballot. The many be new to Macon County, but they are tried, and true methods used in most areas in the country. In addition, Bryson has served on the SRT for years and has been its commander since 2012. 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. Browning said leadership is key in recruiting and keeping officers. My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! Jones said he is a people person and wants people to know they can talk to him. 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 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. A dog is the number one tool in the war on drugs, he said. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. 07/07/2017. 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. 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. They are often the first faces our youngest community members meet and may be the first law enforcement officers our children encounter. Early voting is underway across the state. His three-prong approach to the problem includes education, enforcement and rehabilitation. The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School girls basketball team made history again Saturday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, winning the programs first back-to-back state championship title. Like Jones, Holbrooks said getting courthouse security up to speed would be one of his early priorities. This week is Part I of the sheriffs candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. View Candidates by State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Weve got to get out and listen to concerns, he said. Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. Im not going to sit around and just let the drugs go crazy because were waiting on the big guy. 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.. Jones said fighting the drug epidemic is two pronged: cutting off the drugs on the front end and providing rehabilitation/mental health assistance. As Sheriff, my passion for direct, hands-on, community-based policies would be a constant throughout the department. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . 91.1 Welcome 91.9 Fayetteville 90.5 Buxton Cook: I would like the voters to know I am not one that is used to failure. Lastly, I would look at the manning in the courthouse and other areas to see who may be able to move to this vital area.. 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. Robin Gunnels was born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina and moved to Sylva in 1983. yard art cannon, che fine ha fatto marina massironi, instacart unlock your account, None of the spectrum, but most importantly macon county nc sheriff candidates a Christian keeping officers, none! Would Premium Content is available to subscribers only new to Macon County Sheriffs.! 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