We have an academy in our backyard, we need to be utilizing that as much as possible, he said. 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. Macon County is my home. I want the voters to know they can rely on me. Answer from candidate 1 Ill pat you on the back when you do a great job, but if you go against my policy, youll suffer the consequences., He said employees want to be treated fairly and equally. 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. Candidates Jones, Holbrooks and Clay Bryson are all currently part of the Macon County Sheriffs Office. Copyright 2022 BPR News. 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. They may not be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads in and out of the county. The number one thing were going to do right off the bat is were going to go after the community drug dealers, he said. 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 am a man of my word. Finally, he wants to focus on rehabilitation. Weve got to reach out.. Jones said that while some old-school methods may still work, any organization must change with the times. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. 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. It is much different than it was when my grandfather and father both served or even when I began my career 22 years ago. 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. First, he wants to educate youth on drugs that come into the area, especially considering how many encounter them at home or in their social circles. I will make sure my office is providing coverage to outlying communities. Bryson: As the new Captain over patrol, I have gotten a crash course in the struggles our agency faces to cover all 500 miles of Macon County. Many were close races. 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. 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. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News. Brent Holbrooks in Macon County won the. Cody Moore has officially announced his candidacy for the 2022 election . 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. I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. I felt that the only way to ensure these concerns were addressed properly was to no longer sit on the sidelines. In-house training is helpful in retention as well. 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. My heart is in the right place. Melanie Thibault is director of the Macon County Board of Elections. With more arrests comes the need for more jail space. Right now, I dont have a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault. Im not knocking what arrests are being done right now, he said. North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) PO Box 27255 Raleigh NC 27611-7255. . Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. He said a good leader recognizes who the best people are, making them part of the leadership staff and delegating when possible. I bring to the table experience. Bryson said his interest in law enforcement flourished after participating in a youth program under former Sheriff Homer Holbrooks. All rights reserved. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. Bryson said incarceration is not going to solve all the problems related to the drug epidemic. Early voting is underway across the state. It started me leaning this direction and was very impactful on my life.. While the county also makes money housing inmates from other counties, Browning said if a facility were built to federal code, the county could be paid to house federal inmates. We have to get better doing this patrol thing, he said. I returned back as road patrol officer and shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Corporal. The drug problem affects every single family in Macon County.. Bryson is the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. Next, he wants to ensure drug laws are enforced within MCSO jurisdiction. This isnt something that I take lightly, as I have been preparing for this day for many years.. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. I have a proven track record of doing just that while being the jail administrator since 2018. Currently they have five on a shift including the supervisor. Discuss North Carolina politics. Join us for this ride! These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. 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. 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. 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. Name on Ballot. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much. Bryson said he has three specific areas he believes he can enhance. My plan would be to first meet with the Chief of Police in Franklin to discuss turning over the School Resource Officer positions inside their city limits to their responsibility, like Highlands is right now. As a law enforcement officer, Cook has experience in Patrol, Evidence Technician, Traffic Officer, Burglary, Scrap Metal Task Force, Economic Crimes (Food Stamp Fraud), Gang Unit, Homicide Unit where he was on the Aggravated Battery Squad. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (Task Force) has submitted its 2023 Annual Report to Governor Cooper and the NC General Assembly. I had people tell me they wouldnt vote for anyone from the Macon County Sheriffs Office, he said. Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. Ive served as team leader on the SWAT team for 15 years, while employed at the Macon County Sheriffs Office. Meet NPR hosts and reporters. Right now, we are trying to work with the county and schedule a time to have this done.. 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. That increased presence and visibility will only benefit the county as a whole. She isnt surprised by the recount. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. No Democrat is running for sheriff in Graham County. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. 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. Free Independent Weekly Newspaper - Distributed in Franklin, Highlands, Dillsboro, Webster, Cullowhee, Scaly Mountain, N.C.; Dillard & Clayton, Ga. Franklin Town Council Holds Annual Retreat, Macon County missionary returns from frontlines of Ukraine War, FHS cheer team reaches Nationals for first time. We are all fighting the same problem and dealing with many of the same offenders across jurisdictions. A newly released video shows Congressman Madison Cawthorns March 3 traffic stop. He has three years of college through the Columbia College, Columbia, Mo., and an Associates in Arts degree through the Los Angeles Community College. I know that I cant always be by their side, so what better way to protect them than to work for an agency that allows you to face the evil in our communities head-on. He wants to see officers more involved with the countys youth through community programs and youth sports. I was the first detective in North Florida to investigate food stamp fraud.. 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.. Macon County - Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002. 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? 148 likes. Items below are placed at the cadidates request, in the order received. You can chose to answer all of the questions, one or two of the questions, or none of the questions. Bryson: Having the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County, I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity to best serve the community as Macon Countys next Sheriff. 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.. 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. Everything evolves around drug use property crimes, assaults, domestic violence, he said. It gives us an idea on how to better prepare, he said. It hasnt even been a week since Congressman Madison Cawthorn announced he would run in North Carolinas newly drawn 13th district. Macon Countys rural nature, paired with geographical challenges puts the outlying areas of the county just as Nantahala and Burningtown at a disadvantage. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. 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. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. Candidate Profiles for Macon County Sheriff Candidate Clay Bryson and Brent Holbrooks, the two candidates to respond to interview questions for The Southern Scoop News. My three older children are young adults and they have been raised and educated here in Macon County. For all the drugs coming out of Atlanta, Athens, right through Macon County, into Jackson County, Swain County.. He says increasing community patrols will be important in curbing the drug issues as well as other criminal activity. I worked for the of Franklin While I eagerly awaited my 21 birthday, when I could begin the BLET program. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. Sheriff Robert Holland announced on June 18 that he would Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Id be happy if they had a term limit.. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. 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. He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. Posted at 01:41h . I was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, and just recently promoted to Lieutenant over Civil process and Courthouse Security. I want to get into office, make the changes necessary and train the leaders of tomorrow within my agency.. Brent Holbrooks, Lt. Clay Bryson and Lt. Dereck Edward Jones. Only Clay Bryson and Brent Holbrooks responded and here are their unedited responses. That would result in seven per shift. 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. 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. Holbrooks: My name is Brent and I am running for Sheriff of Macon County 2022. Macon County NC Sheriff's Campaign Group Following is Part II of the sheriff's candidate profiles featuring Brent Holbrooks and Chris Browning. 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. Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. 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. Born and raised in Newton, Iowa, Cook joined the Navy in 1972 and served until 1992 as a personnel specialist. This week is Part I of the sheriffs candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. Macon County Sheriffs Office alone cannot fight the drug problem, he said, adding that the department must continue to partner with other agencies. Additionally, I was told by several citizens they would never vote for a member of the Sheriffs Office again. Cook: While each area can be improved upon, the Investigations area can use some improving. 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. Holbrooks final appeal was for people to trust his experience, not only with MCSO but within the greater community. Five Republican candidates are vying to be the next sheriff of Macon County. 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.. 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