They wanted a change in leadership. I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. The people in Nantahala want to know someone is close by so they dont have to wait an hour.. Moore had served in law enforcement for 31 years. I hear that everywhere I go, he said. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. There were five candidates in the race. . I returned back as road patrol officer and shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Corporal. Cooks final duty station was in the Jacksonville area, where he chose to stay and pursue a career in law enforcement. She isnt surprised by the recount. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. Check your voter registration status Learn about registering to vote Contact your county board of elections Common Cause NC At over 500 square miles, the majority of Macon County sits outside of the Franklin town limits. Cody Moore has officially announced his candidacy for the 2022 election . Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. View Candidates by State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho I have stated before and will state it again, the agency will be reorganized and all areas of the county will have adequate coverage at no additional cost to the taxpayer. It was there that he was mentored by Holland before Holland was ever elected to his current position. Cook: I am uniquely suited to address the drug epidemic in Macon County. Most of these concerns centered around the drug problem in Macon County. I have to serve the needs of the public and the commissioners, he said. News and Updates Events TBD Meet-and-Greet Hotdog Dinner Get to know Chris Browning. The Macon County Sheriff's Office takes a proactive approach to law enforcement--focusing on working WITH the public and preventing crime before it happens. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. Brent Holbrooks . Sheriff Brent Holbrooks - 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner Dereck E. Jones - 2314 (31.57 percent) Clay Bryson - 1123 (15.32 percent) Network Menu. I want to instill trust in the community once again. I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. 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. Sheriff Robbie Holland, who is retiring this year, told BPR that he would be happy if any of the current officers were elected. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. The evidence is there., As part of fighting the drug problem, Browning wants to add more resources to the narcotics division. Throughout my career with the Sheriffs Office. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News will publish candidate profiles for local offices. If you can steer them away from that at an early age and follow them along, he said. 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 want to make our county safer for our families, he said. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. What do you see as the strongest area currently within the department? 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. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. 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. I am community oriented and believe in community partnerships, Jones said. Both divisions conduct themselves with professionalism with limited manpower. As of now, there is a metal detector at the entrance that is often unmanned. 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. I think we need to get ours back up to what it needs to be. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. Join us for this ride! A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriffs race. The men and women of the MCSO also volunteer their . They were never stationed out there. 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. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. I intend to ask for a partnership with our federal partners who will work with us and the U.S. Attorneys Office to ensure we are getting the sentences we need to rid our community of those who supply the poison to our families. Graham County will choose a Republican sheriff and Jackson County will choose a school board seat. I want to boost their role in the agency as focusing our SROs on being the first line of defense for proactive policing and reaching the next generation. Your email address will not be published. I bring to the table experience. I dont. The majority of drugs come from Atlanta, and the majority of those drugs are coming from Mexico, he said. 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. Throughout his career, Bryson has served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. Holbrooks: My name is Brent and I am running for Sheriff of Macon County 2022. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. Weve got to do what we can and deal with them appropriately when they get here.. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. As a father, my goal has always been to protect them, love them, and defend them to the best of my ability. He says his experience has prepared him to make the needed changes. The sheriff is not a title for me, he said. I dont think we need a new jail facility right now. he said. I am pleased to say that the academy did a lot of good for me because I moved back to Macon County eager to pursue a career in law enforcement and was very focused on attaining my goals. In the past, I have worked as an undercover narcotics officer and bought drugs undercover in neighboring counties, he said. since taking the oath of office on his 21st birthday in 2000. He also believes in treating people equally. Browning said the county is already spending money to house inmates in other facilities and the time will come for a new jail. 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. Additionally, I was told by several citizens they would never vote for a member of the Sheriffs Office again. SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. With much of my career being spent on patrol, I have experienced the shortages but it wasnt until I became Captain that I was able to see the administrative and structural difficulties of ensuring coverage across the county. Macon Countys rural nature, paired with geographical challenges puts the outlying areas of the county just as Nantahala and Burningtown at a disadvantage. 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. This isnt something that I take lightly, as I have been preparing for this day for many years.. I want to further our agency just as Sheriff Holland has worked to do for many years. He also plans to create a task force with assistance from surrounding counties to perform undercover work and set up drug buys. 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 am a dedicated and passionate law enforcement professional with the education, training, and experience to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office into the future. 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. 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. With more arrests comes the need for more jail space. Im a father, Im a husband, and most importantly, Im a Christian, he said. Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. They may not be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads in and out of the county. He said he decided to run because he wants to be part of moving the the office forward. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. I will uphold the U.S. and N.C. Constitution. If people have a question, they can ask me; if they have a complaint, they can complain.. 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. She is a native of Franklin, NC who returns to WNC after serving as the assistant editor of Women@Forbes and digital producer of the Forbes podcast network. Since moving to the area, hes worked at the police academy in Franklin as a training coordinator, a position he resigned to run for sheriff. My family and I attend Community Bible Church in Highlands and am an active member of the community I love so much.. Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. I will then print each candidates response to the questions in their entirety. I believe in fairness. 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. Bryson said the decision to run for sheriff wasnt made lightly and only came after a good deal of prayer and discussion with his family. 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. Combine that with the body scanner and it will be a much safer situation for everybody, he said. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested and charged Evan Jordan Jensen, 30, with one felony count of indecent liberties with a child. 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. Its not a want, its a need for the county and long-term its going to save money, he said. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. Wednesday, April 27, 2022. 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. Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. My wife Ariel and I have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. Jones said that while some old-school methods may still work, any organization must change with the times. 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. 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. See our upcoming events and sign up to attend. Since 2012, hes also trained canines not only for MCSO but also other regional agencies. Personal, Professional, Education. Yet, the fundamentals of community-based policies and a passion to do what is right must remain constant. Macon County Sheriffs Office alone cannot fight the drug problem, he said, adding that the department must continue to partner with other agencies. Jones lists drugs, community partnerships, and training as the top three issues facing the countys law enforcement. In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. 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. Itd be a reconstruction of the whole department.. He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. I will be creative and innovative, using natural interpersonal skills learned from my family and generational roots. 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. P.O. of Cos. He sees the top issues facing the countys law enforcement as drugs, patrol coverage, the perception of good old boys running the county and a lack of trust by citizens. Discuss North Carolina politics. 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. NC Macon democratic party is to support ours believes that the government is to support the people. Many of you already know me, my personality, and my character through our personal interactions over the years. Brent Holbrooks said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfathers decades of service to Macon County. While Cook is comfortably retired and doesnt need the income from a job, he said he feels called to the position because hes worried about a good ol boys system.. 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. 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. Additionally, they would be primarily a backup officer to keep them free for K-9 duties. He says it is important for the department to have officers in the community. I have a great relationship with the community, he said. 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 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. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. 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.. I have worked every major position, he said. Its ridiculous.. The only elections here in Western North Carolina are runoffs. CANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST: Candidate Name. rowan county nc mugshots 2020 27 Feb. rowan county nc mugshots 2020. Theres going to be a learning curve for everybody, he said. This is something I believe we desperately need, he said. 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