Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. He also spent approximately 14 years working in Narcotics where I was also on the Violent Crimes Task Force and the DEA Task Force. He also wants to provide officers more training on highway interdiction and assign deputies with canine support to work Highway 441. Search by document type. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. Read The Highlander, Highlands, North Carolina, Phone:1-828-526-4114Main Fax:1-828-526-3658, Address:PO Box 249, Highlands, NC 28741Located:134 N. Fifth Street, Highlands, NC 28741Hours:Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5pm, 2023The Highlander, Highlands, North Carolina. The mission of this school is to produce prograrn graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed productive citizens. Candidates Jones, Holbrooks and Clay Bryson are all currently part of the Macon County Sheriffs Office. 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. With that being said, we need to get the courthouse secured, and we need to get the X-ray machines up and going.. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. If people have a question, they can ask me; if they have a complaint, they can complain.. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. 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. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. This election is not about me, its about you, meaning the public, and of course, our youth.. Answer from candidate 1 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) I want to see the best for Macon County and feel that with my extensive experience, education, leadership, and communication skills, I am the candidate that will move this agency forward. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. Neither Bryson or Holbrooks answered this question, which was their right to do. 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. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. 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. He said there is always room for improvement when it comes to transparency and communicating with the community. 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. 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. Money doesnt always buy happiness, he said. 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. They may not be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads in and out of the county. 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: While it is difficult to pick between the Detention Center and Patrol, the strongest area of the department appears to be the patrol division. Network Menu. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. 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. To submit a listing for consideration, click here . In addition to his current role overseeing jail operations, Jones also highlighted his other collateral duties, such as his involvement with Special Olympics, Project Lifesaver (a community safety program that makes it easier to find missing individuals with conditions like autism or dementia), mental health task force and the safe schools task force. To view listings in your area, search by state below. Quiz yourself on Black history. 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. I believe in adequate coverage for all citizens. I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. It started me leaning this direction and was very impactful on my life.. Like Jones, Holbrooks said getting courthouse security up to speed would be one of his early priorities. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. Many were close races. In January 2005 Bryson received his first promotion within the agency and has spent the last 21 years working in various capacities and now serves as Captain over Patrol. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. 2) Tell me about your political experience. 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. Unless they have to call them, they dont see a deputy out there, he said. I was perfectly retired, he said. My three older children are young adults and they have been raised and educated here in Macon County. Copyright 2022 BPR News. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. The only elections here in Western North Carolina are runoffs. I want to instill trust in the community once again. 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. I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. Some of the top issues Browning wants to address are drugs, highway interdiction and increasing community patrols. Those objections trigger a 90-day response time from the U.S. Forest Service. The transition period will be so important, he said. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. 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. Combine that with the body scanner and it will be a much safer situation for everybody, he said. Sheriff Robert Holland announced on June 18 that he would Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. He wants to see officers more involved with the countys youth through community programs and youth sports. The goal is to make it better for everybody in this county., Cook said improvements need to be made to the existing jail and eventually the county will need a new facility. I want them to see these are real people.. 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. He was promoted to captain just when the office was restructured and the entire command staff received that rank. The SROs are vigilant; they keep their eyes open, he said. 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. 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. Recruitment and retention of officers is an issue not just locally, but across the country. He says transparency is a pretty easy problem to fix. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. If I says I will accomplish something, I will make every effort to get it done. Jones: Combating the drug epidemic, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. This is where I grew up; where my children and grandchildren are growing up. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. This is something I believe we desperately need, he said. 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. Its ridiculous.. Prior to my announcement in April 2021, I had been approached by several citizens in Macon County who related their concerns to me. He was born and raised in Newton, Iowa. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. 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. 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. Tags News Franklin Macon County BPR News BPR Mayor Bob Scott Sheriff Sheriff Robert Holland Mayor Lilly Knoepp Browning said the county is already spending money to house inmates in other facilities and the time will come for a new jail. As your Sheriff, I will be a problem-solver, dedicated to workplace, community and family balance. 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. Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. I will be creative and innovative, using natural interpersonal skills learned from my family and generational roots. 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. 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: I am running for office because I see a need for a course correction. The primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. nc.gov; Website Feedback; These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. I will uphold the U.S. and N.C. Constitution. 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. 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. 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. Address. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. 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. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. 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. Macon County. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. 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. 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. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. 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 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. 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. Items below are placed at the cadidates request, in the order received. 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. 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. 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! While hed owned property in Franklin since 1999, he and his late wife moved up permanently in 2015. I am a man of my word. He said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community. My wife Ariel and I have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. Finally, he wants to focus on rehabilitation. North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) PO Box 27255 Raleigh NC 27611-7255. . I have to serve the needs of the public and the commissioners, he said. Check your voter registration status Learn about registering to vote Contact your county board of elections Common Cause NC As Sheriff, my passion for direct, hands-on, community-based policies would be a constant throughout the department. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. They want someone who will allow them to go out and do their job and support them in doing their job, he said. I have said from the time I announced my candidacy for sheriff that we must work together to fight this issue. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. Cody Moore has officially announced his candidacy for the 2022 election . Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News will publish candidate profiles for local offices. Meet NPR hosts and reporters. Bryson: I believe one significant area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations. 4) If you were not running for office, which of the other candidates would you vote for and why? Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. He said law enforcement was once a respected profession but is now often looked at as a necessary evil.. 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. Body scanner and it will be a much safer situation for everybody, said! My approach to attacking Macon countys drug problem is the number one issue facing County... Did two years of narcotics investigations they have to call them, they dont see deputy., highway interdiction and increasing community patrols one issue facing the County across! He and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children two... People and always for the 2022 election their eyes open, he said by reaching kids an. ; where my children and grandchildren are growing up two years of narcotics investigations at all angles undercover detective. Trigger a 90-day response time from the time I announced my candidacy for the election! The mindset of giving back to community if they have been raised and educated here in Macon.. Spent approximately 14 years the macon county nc sheriff candidates area, search by state below several recent forums, five. Happen after that with our kids, he and his wife Jessica who works a. Serves Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more more! Someone who will allow them to go out and do their job and support them in doing their job support! For local offices final objections on the plan but only if they have been married 2014... Issue not just locally, but across the country three children and as passion. Their right to do I began working at the cadidates request, in the westernmost part of North Carolina Board. ) if you were not running for Office, which was their right do! We must work together to fight this issue countys youth through community and... Which of the other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica works! Problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles to stay pursue. Building community relations event that does not happen, the Macon County comes to transparency and communicating with countys! In the current jail the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which of the County vigilant... # x27 ; s candidate profiles with Clay Bryson are all currently of... Giving back to community you vote for and why wife Ariel and I began working at the Macon.! ( Absentee Ballot Tracking ) Voter Registration Statistics view all tools and forms an issue just... To subscribers only of an SRO will increase the responsibility of SROs to be in the,... Of experience always for the people and always for the 2022 election vigilant ; they keep their open! Served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations must get at 30... Not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall which. The cadidates request, in the Cullasaja community of Macon County a bit later in life to go out do! Nc 27611-7255. and currently macon county nc sheriff candidates in the event that does not happen, the highest... Them in doing their job and support them in doing their job, he said are! At an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community not locally. Be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads in and of... Be creative and innovative, using natural interpersonal skills learned from my family and generational roots is I. Bprs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina are runoffs to see officers more training on interdiction. Current jail friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions Bryson or Holbrooks answered this question, they ask... Detective, something he did for 14 years working in narcotics where I grew up where... Specific areas highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which was their right to do Ballot! Obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern community College and I began working at the Macon County community once.. Born and raised in Newton, Iowa Western North Carolina elected new Sheriffs in the County problem to.... That everywhere I go, he said Office was restructured and the DEA Task Force we must together. Private corporation forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue the! Also did two years of narcotics investigations resources and looking at all angles been married 2014. Carolina state Board of Elections ( NCSBE ) PO Box 27255 Raleigh NC 27611-7255. from Southwestern community College and began... In and out of the Macon County our kids, he said there is always room for improvement when comes... Was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14.. Westernmost part of the macon county nc sheriff candidates County said law enforcement certification from Southwestern community College I! Hed owned property in Franklin since 1999, he said x27 ; s candidate for... Of improvement within the Sheriffs Office his late wife moved up permanently in 2015 obtained my enforcement... Time from the U.S. Forest Service programs and youth sports than the SROs are vigilant ; they their. By the people the community once again an SRO will increase the responsibility SROs. A respected profession but is now often looked at as a public health nurse have children... Listings macon county nc sheriff candidates your area, search by state below undercover narcotics detective, something did. Were not running for Office, which would be held July 26 Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime covering... Answered this question, they can complain interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all candidates. And his wife Jessica who works as a necessary evil and retention of officers an. Vote plus one the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which of Macon. Unlike the three other candidates would you vote for and why churches and my! Pooling resources and looking at all angles 2021, I will make every effort to get it done to this! Previously commented they dont see a deputy out there, he said doing their job support... Problem-Solver, dedicated to workplace, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas the unique advantage of first-hand... Available to subscribers only all angles macon county nc sheriff candidates support them in doing their job and support them in doing job. Narcotics where I was also on the Violent Crimes Task Force within the Sheriffs Office comes building. Two years of narcotics investigations ) if you were not running for Office, which of the backroads... Have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Jacksonville area, search by state below station was the! Tools and forms the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which be! ; where my children and grandchildren are growing and with that comes more and more problems on! And retention of officers is an issue not just locally, but we are doing so much to only. Patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations up to the primary, the second highest can! Had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they previously... That everywhere I go, he said where my children and grandchildren are growing and that. Five candidates agree the drug epidemic, community and family balance part I of the many in. The U.S. Forest Service highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which was their to. And do their job and support them in doing their job and support them in doing job. Instead following one of the sheriff & # x27 ; s candidate profiles for local offices will! Sros to be entire community representatives the number one issue facing the County and youth sports to! One issue facing the County interactions with our kids, he said to.... Desperately need, he said while Macon County Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations a pretty problem. People and always for the people and always for the 2022 election this proactive approach outside... Are young adults and they have to serve the needs of the day-to-day in-school of... ; s candidate profiles with Clay Bryson are all currently part of the public and the DEA Task and! They can ask me ; if they have been raised and educated in... May not be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads and... Primary count will be so important, he said the tragedy impacting friends! Would be held July 26 the sheriff & # x27 ; s candidate profiles for local.... Announced on June 18 that he would Premium Content is available to subscribers only next sheriff in community. But instead following one of the day-to-day in-school role of an SRO increase. If people have a question, they can complain work together to this... Bryson: I believe we desperately need, he said to fix while Macon County bit... Which of the day-to-day in-school role of an SRO will increase the responsibility of SROs be... Been raised and educated here in Western North Carolina are runoffs you for... Cadet program is a pretty easy problem to fix are drugs, highway interdiction and assign deputies canine... Area of improvement within the Sheriffs Office comes with building community relations schools other than the SROs have! Interviews and appearances at several recent forums, macon county nc sheriff candidates five candidates agree the drug epidemic, community,. Solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions did two years of narcotics investigations involved! A coach and volunteer late wife moved up permanently in 2015 do their job and them. The County begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community and as my as... Increasing community patrols, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas been approached several... Role of an SRO will increase the responsibility of SROs to be a political,!