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. I spoke to a MCSO Street supervisor and asked what it would take to get coverage into those areas. This starts within our schools and each individual community. 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. Long-time sheriff Robert Holland announced his retirement in June 2021; he was first elected to the office in 2002. They also agree on the need for more community patrolling and community involvement. 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. 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. 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. 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. Beasley and Budd both won in Macon County with Beasley receiving 686 votes (58.48 percent) and Budd getting 3,588 (53.34 percent) The unofficial primary election totals with all precincts reporting. We have an academy in our backyard, we need to be utilizing that as much as possible, he said. He joined the Navy in August 1972 during the Viet Nam War and remained in the Navy until August 1992 during the Gulf War. Im a law enforcement professional seeking to do what needs to be done through community involvement, he said. That would result in seven per shift. We are all fighting the same problem and dealing with many of the same offenders across jurisdictions. 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. As Sheriff, my passion for direct, hands-on, community-based policies would be a constant throughout the department. The proposals I have made thus far are not new ideas. 4) If you were not running for office, which of the other candidates would you vote for and why? A newly released video shows Congressman Madison Cawthorns March 3 traffic stop. Each candidate has previous law enforcement experience, including three who currently work for the Sheriffs Office. Required fields are marked *. 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. BPR explains some of the objections. 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 the countys pay study helped get the departments salaries to a competitive level with other agencies in the area. We firmly believe that, working together, we CAN make a positive difference in our community. I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriffs Office. He said there are some safety improvements needed. 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. I dont. I left in 2004 to learn a new trade, but I knew that I would return to the law enforcement; and I did just that in 2008. 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. He also feels it is important to support law enforcement families, since the stress that comes with the job can be difficult for some families to work through. North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) PO Box 27255 Raleigh NC 27611-7255. . 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. Im a father, Im a husband, and most importantly, Im a Christian, he said. 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. The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. While he said he wants to reorganize the department and shrink it down to something more fiscally manageable, he also wants to increase patrols to certain outlying areas, such as Otto and Cowee. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. nc.gov; Website Feedback; I was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, and just recently promoted to Lieutenant over Civil process and Courthouse Security. 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 was advised they would need seven road deputies, including the supervisor. These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. Jones said fighting the drug epidemic is two pronged: cutting off the drugs on the front end and providing rehabilitation/mental health assistance. I will work tirelessly to accomplish everything I have said I would do. That is why I plan to constantly seek out grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible in Western North Carolina. He has served many roles in the agency and is currently captain over patrol. Sep 22, 2021 Updated Sep 22, 2021. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested and charged Evan Jordan Jensen, 30, with one felony count of indecent liberties with a child. Finally, he wants to focus on rehabilitation. 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. 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. Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. Venus and Jupiter are going in for a nighttime kiss, Santorum joins North Carolina House GOP to push convention, UNCG School of Nursing plans to move its Ph.D. program entirely online, Author Kate Zernike dissects the years-long fight for gender equality at MIT, Graham and Jackson Counties vote in runoff elections, Judge releases dashcam video of Cawthorn driving while his license was revoked, The Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan received about 800 eligible objections, heres what happens now, Reaction to Cawthorn's move varies across WNC, Lost or forgotten no more: Incarcerated Black laborers that built WNC railroad memorialized. 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. Copyright 2022 BPR News. 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.. 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 . The many be new to Macon County, but they are tried, and true methods used in most areas in the country. Next, he wants to ensure drug laws are enforced within MCSO jurisdiction. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. By Jake Browning on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 Elections to choose Macon County's next sheriff won't begin until next year, but the race has already become more of a high speed chase. I will not edit, change, or omit anything. 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. 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. Bob Cook is married (newly) with four daughters, nine grandchildren and one on the way plus one great grandson. 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. Some of the top issues Browning wants to address are drugs, highway interdiction and increasing community patrols. 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. 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. Yes. 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 am not a politician. OFFICE OF SHERIFF STATE-BY-STATE ELECTIONS INFORMATION STATE Elections Division Website State Elections Division Sheriffs' Election Info No. I returned back as road patrol officer and shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Corporal. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (Task Force) has submitted its 2023 Annual Report to Governor Cooper and the NC General Assembly. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. The way we get around that is the education of our youth, he said. 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. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. Three of my opponents are working there and they dont have their law enforcement retirements, they have their eye on the future as far as reelection, he said. 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. 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. This election is not about me, its about you, meaning the public, and of course, our youth.. Career Opportunities. 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. 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! 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. See our upcoming events and sign up to attend. 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. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. If elected he plans to invite the commissioners and other officials to tour the jail. The candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot. His philosophy is to lead by example. Your email address will not be published. He was born and raised in Newton, Iowa. Finally, I will be a dedicated public servant, ensuring that your message of what matters most has standing within the Sheriff s Office.. We dont plan to change that model. Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. He wants to see officers more involved with the countys youth through community programs and youth sports. 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. He said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community. His education program would include more trained School Resource Officers, including a roving K9 unit and K9 demonstrations in the schools. Holbrooks noted that he has experience far beyond just encounters during patrol. He also believes in treating people equally. Its not a want, its a need for the county and long-term its going to save money, he said. County Boards of Elections Information BallotTrax (Absentee Ballot Tracking) Voter Registration Statistics View all tools and forms. Length of Term Next Election Year On-Year or Off-Year Election* Term Limit Partisan or Non-Partisan Vacancy Filled By Notes Any race decided less than a percentage point can head to a recount if requested. But Im not working in that system. I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. With Tony Brown retiring from the sheriff's office, Root will not be facing two formidable candidates in 2022. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. Clay Bryson 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. My career choice in law enforcement dates back three generations! 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. Brent Holbrooks said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfathers decades of service to Macon County. Browning said the county is already spending money to house inmates in other facilities and the time will come for a new jail. 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.. 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. With six deputies on duty, that will allow one each in Highlands and Nantahala with the remainder covering the rest of the county. At the same time, we must continue to expand upon mental health and substance abuse programs within the detention facility and beyond to help those in need that request assistance. Tags News Franklin Macon County BPR News BPR Mayor Bob Scott Sheriff Sheriff Robert Holland Mayor Lilly Knoepp A dog is the number one tool in the war on drugs, he said. Im passionate about what I do, he said. 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. I give you my word that it will be printed exactly how it is submitted. In our spare time, we enjoy spending time outdoors and with our family. NC 28734 Phone: 828-349-2000 . Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News is publishing candidate profiles for local offices. Were going to get out there and do our jobs like were supposed to, he said. Both divisions conduct themselves with professionalism with limited manpower. He says he will be running as a Republican candidate. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction., Holbrooks: Eight generations of Holbrooks have called Macon County home it is this legacy, strong family values and impeccable work ethic that defines who I am. As such, I have experience in making hand to hand drug buys for a $20.00 crack or heroin purchase to as much as multiple kilogram amounts of methamphetamine. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. Next, I will meet with the Assistant Supervisor in Charge of the DEA as well as other federal authorities to discuss our needs. I worked the road, and when working the road, you have to know the ins and outs of the drug trade, he said. 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. Some of you know me as Sarahs husband or Aprils brother, but I am proud to say that most of you know me simply as Brent. 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? 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. He also wants to reintroduce a cadet program similar to the one he participated in as a young man when Sheriff Holland was his mentor. 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. They want unity. Root, who was sworn in as sheriff on Monday, June 21, was part of a court battle. He was promoted to captain just when the office was restructured and the entire command staff received that rank. Unless they have to call them, they dont see a deputy out there, he said. We need to be hard on the dealers and traffickers, he said. The following is a combination of information from in-person interviews each candidate did with The Franklin Press and answers they provided via a questionnaire from The Press. Welcome to the Macon County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, serving Franklin, Highlands and Nantahala Macon County, NC Sheriff's Office | Franklin NC At-large candidates: Democrats Sabrina Coone-Godfrey, Deanna Kaplan, Kimberly Stone and Richard Watts, all of Winston-Salem; Libertarian Regina Garner of Winston-Salem; Republicans Sarah Absher,. 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. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. They may not be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads in and out of the county. Most of these concerns centered around the drug problem in Macon County. During his career he has spoken to communities about crime prevention techniques, spent time working with community and school programs, and currently serves as an instructor for the Sheriffs Office Citizens Academy. Additionally, I was told by several citizens they would never vote for a member of the Sheriffs Office again. Absolutely for more bed space. Macon County is my home. 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