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 . While each election they hear promise after promise from those running or currently serving, this is the first time I have had the opportunity to make those promises. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News is publishing candidate profiles for local offices. Id be happy if they had a term limit.. Cook: I would like the voters to know I am not one that is used to failure. 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. Cook retired after earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer with Surface Warfare Qualifications. 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. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. Clay Bryson says he has been led to where he is now, having spent his entire adult career in law enforcement, I love giving back, he said. We have to get better doing this patrol thing, he said. 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. 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. The primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. TBD 11/09/2021 Chris Browning for Macon County Sheriff - Campaign Launch It's official! Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. 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. Next, I would take the four K-9 Officers and place one per shift. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. 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. Jones: Combating the drug epidemic, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas. Early voting across North Carolina begins today (April 28) with the Primary voting day set for May 17. To view listings in your area, search by state below. . The many be new to Macon County, but they are tried, and true methods used in most areas in the country. 07/07/2017. 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. Brent Holbrooks, Lt. Clay Bryson and Lt. Dereck Edward Jones. 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. With more arrests comes the need for more jail space. 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. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. The majority of drugs come from Atlanta, and the majority of those drugs are coming from Mexico, he said. It's Official, There's A New Sheriff (candidate) In Town. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity. 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. He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. My grandfather, Jack Holbrooks, worked for the Highlands Police Department and was sworn in under Police Chief Joe Baty in 1967. 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. I dont think we need a new jail facility right now. he said. NC Macon democratic party is to support ours believes that the government is to support the people. But you also have to have something for them to look to, benefits and treating people right, he said. 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. Captain Clay Bryson was born and raised in Macon County and has spent half of his life, 21 years to be exact, as a law enforcement officer with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. Lastly, is there anything else you would like voters to know? He was promoted to captain just when the office was restructured and the entire command staff received that rank. You can chose to answer all of the questions, one or two of the questions, or none of the questions. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. We need to be hard on the dealers and traffickers, he said. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriffs race. Early voting is underway across the state. Bryson said more must be done on the enforcement end as well and wants to have a task force including the Sheriffs Office and the Franklin and Highlands police departments. The Macon County Arrest Records Search (North Carolina) links below open in a new window and take you to third party websites that provide access to Macon County public records. Throughout my career with the Sheriffs Office. jobs in Macon County, NC Sort by: relevance - date 2,351 jobs Realtor/Real Estate Agent Blue Ridge Premier Realty Sylva, NC $50,000 - $100,000 a year Full-time Choose your own hours Requirements North Carolina Real Estate License North Carolina Real Estate Sales: 1 year Laboratory Manager Mountain Lakes Medical Center 2.4 Clayton, GA 30525 Brent Holbrooks said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfathers decades of service to Macon County. His three-prong approach to the problem includes education, enforcement and rehabilitation. It started me leaning this direction and was very impactful on my life.. Many citizens make the comment that they are told that it depends upon call volume. Jones said fighting the drug epidemic is two pronged: cutting off the drugs on the front end and providing rehabilitation/mental health assistance. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. Cook: I am uniquely suited to address the drug epidemic in Macon County. Other officers are the best recruiters Ive got.. Length of Term Next Election Year On-Year or Off-Year Election* Term Limit Partisan or Non-Partisan Vacancy Filled By Notes Do we need to add on to our facility? Brent Holbrooks in Macon County won the. 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. 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. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. Check your voter registration status Learn about registering to vote Contact your county board of elections Common Cause NC Im very approachable. Cook: Considering the Nantahala Community currently has only as a School Resource Officer in their community, they absolutely need additional officers. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. 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. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. Im not knocking what arrests are being done right now, 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, he said. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. Bryson is the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. We are all fighting the same problem and dealing with many of the same offenders across jurisdictions. They may not be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads in and out of the county. 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. Holbrooks said while he may not know every aspect that goes into running the Sheriffs Office, he will surround himself with others who can help him learn. It is a battle were going to continue to fight., Bryson sees the drug problem as the number one issue facing the county. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount Draft N.C. Clean Transportation Plan available for public comment, 2023 Child Fatality Task Force report shows increase in child gun deaths, youth suicide, Jackson County TDA increases funding to $2,500 for third year of Cleaning Up the Mountains, Swain leaders voice continued opposition to parking passes in GSMNP, NC revenue forecast projects $3.25 billion surplus, 10.7% revenue increase for Fiscal Year 2022-23, Swain commissioners move to hire attorney to address GSMNP parking fees, Brad Waldrop named to Sylva Board of Commissioners, Rabun Gap girls basketball brings home second-straight NCISAA state title, Macon leaders withdraw plans to move forward with Highlands PreK renovations, Lifelong educator and author honored in Jackson County with special day. This starts within our schools and each individual community. 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. He says increasing community patrols will be important in curbing the drug issues as well as other criminal activity. Shoplifter hits several stores on the Plateau, Mayor applauds town staff for weather response, Motion filed to dismiss some claims in Wade Hampton Golf Club lawsuit, COVID-19 cases spike as clusters are identified, Clean Water Act litigation related to Fowler Creek continues, Primary Restaurant and Bar to open this week. I will then print each candidates response to the questions in their entirety. This election is not about me, its about you, meaning the public, and of course, our youth.. Macon County - Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002. P.O. They also agree on the need for more community patrolling and community involvement. While hed owned property in Franklin since 1999, he and his late wife moved up permanently in 2015. With Tony Brown retiring from the sheriff's office, Root will not be facing two formidable candidates in 2022. I believe in adequate coverage for all citizens. However, I have been asked to help share information about the candidates so what I have decided is to send every candidate this same email (everyone is copied) and leave it up to you if you want to respond or not. Cook believes that it will take someone from outside MCSO to fix it and noted that hes the best candidate to address the issues facing the community. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Itd be a reconstruction of the whole department.. 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.. 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. After 20 years of doing things the same way its time for a whole different approach and attitude.. Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. 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. 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. It gives us an idea on how to better prepare, he said. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. In local races when a candidate wins by less than a 1 percent margin the second vote getter can request a recount, according to NC election law. I will always give you a fair shake, he said. He wants to set up a merit-based system to recognize officers and individuals at the lower ranks. It is much different than it was when my grandfather and father both served or even when I began my career 22 years ago. 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. There are those that you arrest, and when they get in the jail setting, we need to make sure we have the adequate resources for them, he said. Right now, we are trying to work with the county and schedule a time to have this done.. 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. He says that starts with the community drug dealers. I decided to enter the race as a candidate to make a difference not only in the lives of the citizens of Macon County, but also in the operation of the Sheriffs Office., Jones: Macon County is my home. We dont want youth to think we are unapproachable; if they need help, they can come to us. As of now, there is a metal detector at the entrance that is often unmanned. I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.. Sheriff Brent Holbrooks - 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner Dereck E. Jones - 2314 (31.57 percent) Clay Bryson - 1123 (15.32 percent) Welcome to the Macon County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, serving Franklin, Highlands and Nantahala Macon County, NC Sheriff's Office | Franklin NC Born and raised in Newton, Iowa, Cook joined the Navy in 1972 and served until 1992 as a personnel specialist. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. Sep 22, 2021 Updated Sep 22, 2021. 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. 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. I will uphold the U.S. and N.C. Constitution. But at the same time, he thinks there is a place for showing compassion for users and helping them find the rehabilitation and recovery help they need. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. 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. All rights reserved. Candidate Profiles: Macon County Sheriff Candidates By The Southern Scoop on April 26, 2022 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. 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. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. Holbrooks noted that he has experience far beyond just encounters during patrol. Candidates Jones, Holbrooks and Clay Bryson are all currently part of the Macon County Sheriffs Office. 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. Analyze how and why you love the way you do. 0. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. Weve got to get out and listen to concerns, he said. Jones said he is humbled by the support Macon County has shown him from the time he was a child, and he wants to help set an example as others did for him. 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.. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. I am community oriented and believe in community partnerships, Jones said. My father, Homer Holbrooks served as a Sheriffs Deputy for 3-years before being elected as the Sheriff of Macon County where he served with distinction for 16 more years, retiring in 2002. I want them to know that I will never knowingly let them down. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. Holbrooks: My name is Brent and I am running for Sheriff of Macon County 2022. It was there that he was mentored by Holland before Holland was ever elected to his current position. Bryson said he has three specific areas he believes he can enhance. 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. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News will publish candidate profiles for local offices. Moore had served in law enforcement for 31 years. . We need to be helping those who need help and want help, he said. 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. 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. The men and women of the MCSO also volunteer their . Were building leaders not just for today, but for tomorrow.. 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. Join us for this ride! He said a good leader recognizes who the best people are, making them part of the leadership staff and delegating when possible. We work to create a safe environment for Macon County residents and visitors by preserving the peace and enforcing the laws. The number one thing were going to do right off the bat is were going to go after the community drug dealers, he said. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. 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 Its another way to reach people.. The transition period will be so important, he said. He wants to see officers involved in community events and a time for people to sit down with officers and share what their needs are. 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. I dont. I enjoy taking my children to the woods to hunt and learn about gun safety. Im passionate about what I do, he said. Jones: I am not a politician. I have to serve the needs of the public and the commissioners, he said. 148 likes. 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. Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. He said when people dont get a response it leads them to think there is something to hide. Im a husband, a father, but most importantly Im a Christian. He says his experience has prepared him to make the needed changes. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. Bob Cook is married (newly) with four daughters, nine grandchildren and one on the way plus one great grandson. 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.. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. 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 . 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. Its ridiculous.. I am the right individual for this position. 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. In our spare time, we enjoy spending time outdoors and with our family. 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. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. Next, I will meet with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the DEA as well as other federal authorities to discuss our needs. 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. I am committed to fair and equal treatment of all citizens. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! 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. Macon County Beekeepers will hold their Bee School, Saturday, February 11 and Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. 1 month ago NC 4-H Camps Selected to Participate in NC State Crowdfunding Campaign 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 candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. 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.