Bryson said incarceration is not going to solve all the problems related to the drug epidemic. 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. It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. As Sheriff, my passion for direct, hands-on, community-based policies would be a constant throughout the department. 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. 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. His philosophy is to lead by example. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested and charged Evan Jordan Jensen, 30, with one felony count of indecent liberties with a child. He says it is important for the department to have officers in the community. 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. 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. 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. Combine that with the body scanner and it will be a much safer situation for everybody, he said. What sets Bryson apart from the field more than anything may be his 21 years running police canines. 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 . This starts within our schools and each individual community. I always stand firm that I am not a politician, but I am a family man that loves God, my family, and our country., Your email address will not be published. Macon County - Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002. I am the only candidate who has experience in every division under the Sheriffs Office running for this position. Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. Candidate Chris Browning Clay Bryson Bob Cook Brent Holbrooks Dereck E. Jones Incumbency information for this election was not available. Any race decided less than a percentage point can head to a recount if requested. His three-prong approach to the problem includes education, enforcement and rehabilitation. They will appear in the same order as they are returned to me. Answer from candidate 1 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. Neither Bryson or Holbrooks answered this question, which was their right to do. In his current district, the political consequences of his decision are only just beginning to emerge. Moore had served in law enforcement for 31 years. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. Like Jones, Clay Bryson is a captain at MCSO, although he oversees the patrol division. I am the right individual for this position. Itd be a reconstruction of the whole department.. 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. Please post about new candidates running, your candidate, opinions and talking points. Bryson has served most of his career on patrol but also did two years of narcotics investigations. It was there that he was mentored by Holland before Holland was ever elected to his current position. 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. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. That is something the military instilled in me. I have a proven track record of doing just that while being the jail administrator since 2018. Both divisions conduct themselves with professionalism with limited manpower. He wants to see more cooperation with federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration. Among the sheriffs retiring in Western North Carolina who will leave big shoes to fill is Macon County's Robert Holland, who has served in that position for almost two decades. He has three years of college through the Columbia College, Columbia, Mo., and an Associates in Arts degree through the Los Angeles Community College. He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. Official community group for the Macon County NC Sheriff's Election. 0. He said the countys pay study helped get the departments salaries to a competitive level with other agencies in the area. 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. 86 SUMMIT DR FRANKLIN, NC 28734 His education program would include more trained School Resource Officers, including a roving K9 unit and K9 demonstrations in the schools. Finally, I will be a dedicated public servant, ensuring that your message of what matters most has standing within the Sheriff s Office.. As I embrace this journey to become your Sheriff, I do so knowing that together we can make a difference. OFFICE OF SHERIFF STATE-BY-STATE ELECTIONS INFORMATION STATE Elections Division Website State Elections Division Sheriffs' Election Info No. Bryson is the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. 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. I intend on installing a drug tip hot line and making the supervisor over narcotics responsible to responses to the complaints. I want them to see these are real people.. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. Its ridiculous.. When citizens ask questions, respond to them, within the law, he said. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. Questions for the Macon County Sheriff candidates. I had people tell me they wouldnt vote for anyone from the Macon County Sheriffs Office, 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. Ive seen many people come ask for assistance.. With that being said, we need to get the courthouse secured, and we need to get the X-ray machines up and going.. 148 likes. Macon County is my home. 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. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction. 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. I am not looking for another career or a position for the next 20 years. The people in Nantahala want to know someone is close by so they dont have to wait an hour.. I worked the road, and when working the road, you have to know the ins and outs of the drug trade, he said. 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. Check your voter registration status Learn about registering to vote Contact your county board of elections Common Cause NC 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. 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. 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. With six deputies on duty, that will allow one each in Highlands and Nantahala with the remainder covering the rest of the county. Jones said fighting the drug epidemic is two pronged: cutting off the drugs on the front end and providing rehabilitation/mental health assistance. They also agree on the need for more community patrolling and community involvement. Many of you already know me, my personality, and my character through our personal interactions over the years. I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News. Jones said since being promoted to jail administrator in 2018 he has managed a budget of at least $2.5 million and updated the Detention Centers policies and procedures in 2019. But with the amount of drugs in this town, we should be seeing busts every week. 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. Cook: I would like the voters to know I am not one that is used to failure. Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. Phone. A local man is coming out of retirement to run for Macon County Sheriff next year. I born 45 years ago and raised right here in Macon County. 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. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriff's race. It's not a new car just big thoughts on planet Earth, Look up! Candidates Jones,. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A new candidate is now in the running for Macon County Sheriff. Political Candidate Directory Featuring candidates for state, local and federal office. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. Clockwise from top left: Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Bob Cook, Clay Bryson. He wants to set up a merit-based system to recognize officers and individuals at the lower ranks. I want them to know that I will never knowingly let them down. 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. We are all fighting the same problem and dealing with many of the same offenders across jurisdictions. Brent Holbrooks in Macon County won the. 07/07/2017. 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. 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 said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfathers decades of service to Macon County. I want to instill trust in the community once again. Since April 2021, I have made the proposal to get patrol coverage to not only Nantahala, but to Scaly Mountain, Otto and the Cowee area among others. I spoke to a MCSO Street supervisor and asked what it would take to get coverage into those areas. 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. We need to make sure we have a secure courthouse and a secure jail or were going to have big problems.. That increased presence and visibility will only benefit the county as a whole. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. 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 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. 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.. And I am confident that one of the most important ways of doing that is to continue fighting the war on drugs. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. I will work tirelessly to accomplish everything I have said I would do. 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! 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. Im not going to sit around and just let the drugs go crazy because were waiting on the big guy. Name on Ballot. The evidence is there., As part of fighting the drug problem, Browning wants to add more resources to the narcotics division. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Money doesnt always buy happiness, he said. I will take on the drug dealers in each community and work with outside agencies to provide help to addicts. 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. The sheriff is not a title for me, he said. 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. The candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. I enrolled in Basic Law Enforcement Training at Southwestern Community College in the Fall of 1999 to begin my career and on April 11, 2000, On my 21st birthday, I took my Oath of Office with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. I returned back as road patrol officer and shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Corporal. Macon County NC Sheriff's Campaign Group With more arrests comes the need for more jail space. 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. At over 500 square miles, the majority of Macon County sits outside of the Franklin town limits. The men and women of the MCSO also volunteer their . 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. 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina Board of Elections. Im big on community involvement and bringing our youth up to know and to show school-age children who we are.. But for those who do not, I wanted to give you a glimpse into who I am and why I am requesting your support. For most of my entire law enforcement career, I have prioritized combating this horrible epidemic and I assure you I will continue to do so as long as I serve Macon County. 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. Were doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but youve got to have a willing body, he said. Chris Browning welcomes all Macon County residents to a town hall style meet-and-greet. 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? Shortly after Ashe was elected sheriff in 2002, Gunnels left "because of the politics involved." Throughout his career, Bryson has served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. 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. These things, Im very passionate about. I dont think his command staff that he currently has would necessarily be my command staff, he said, adding that he would make other staffing changes. The SROs are vigilant; they keep their eyes open, he said. 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. 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.. 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. The number one thing were going to do right off the bat is were going to go after the community drug dealers, he said. Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. In the past, I have worked as an undercover narcotics officer and bought drugs undercover in neighboring counties, he said. 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. In 2018, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and became the detention center administrator. Jones: I have spoken to many residents across the county who share the same concerns as the Nantahala community whether they live there or not. I will not edit, change, or omit anything. 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. The candidates to replace Holland bring a variety of experience. Most recently, Chris served as the Macon County Team Captain for the 2020 Madison Cawthorn congressional campaign, bringing local political savvy to the 11 District election. I will make sure my office is providing coverage to outlying communities. My pride is my family as I am a dedicated father of three young children that attend the Highlands School where my wife, Sarah, serves as the Vice Principal and is finishing her 12th year in the MCS system. Those objections trigger a 90-day response time from the U.S. Forest Service. This week is Part I of the sheriffs candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. 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. Early voting across North Carolina begins today (April 28) with the Primary voting day set for May 17. Yes. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. It hasnt even been a week since Congressman Madison Cawthorn announced he would run in North Carolinas newly drawn 13th district. I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. The drug problem in Macon County and surrounding areas is epidemic. I also have been the affiant on 99 separate telephone facility wire intercepts. Finally, he wants to focus on rehabilitation. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26. Its another way to reach people.. I have become known over the years as a person that listens carefully to what people have to say.. Im the only one outside the department that can bring change.. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. Browning Clay Bryson Bob Cook, Clay Bryson, Bob Cook Brent Holbrooks Dereck E. Jones Incumbency information this... 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