Clay Bryson My heart is in the right place. The only elections here in Western North Carolina are runoffs. This is something I believe we desperately need, he said. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. I will then print each candidates response to the questions in their entirety. I have deep commitment to all Maconians and to our youth. He said when people dont get a response it leads them to think there is something to hide. He would like to add a body scanner to check for drugs or weapons coming into the jail and repurpose some positions to add another person per shift. Early voting across North Carolina begins today (April 28) with the Primary voting day set for May 17. 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. As I have noted, I have spent approximately 14 years as an undercover Narcotics Detective. We need to offer our community members an alternative to turning to drugs and the power and knowledge to break free from addiction. Bob Cook is married (newly) with four daughters, nine grandchildren and one on the way plus one great grandson. Im passionate about what I do, he said. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. Both divisions conduct themselves with professionalism with limited manpower. Throughout my career with the Sheriffs Office. He said none of the candidates, including himself, know all the daily responsibilities that come with being sheriff. Career Opportunities. If people have a question, they can ask me; if they have a complaint, they can complain.. Jones graduated Franklin High School in 2000, Southwestern Community College in 2008 with an Associate of Arts degree, and Western Carolina University in 2012 attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Work With Us. The report Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) has once again shown its commitment to environmental stewardship by increasing its funding to $2,500 for the third year By Kristin Fox Next month, the Park It Forward Program will begin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. I am a man of my word. I returned back as road patrol officer and shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Corporal. He says he will be running as a Republican candidate. Cook retired after earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer with Surface Warfare Qualifications. 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. You can chose to answer all of the questions, one or two of the questions, or none of the questions. Personal blog He said a good leader recognizes who the best people are, making them part of the leadership staff and delegating when possible. 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. Next, he wants to ensure drug laws are enforced within MCSO jurisdiction. CANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST: Candidate Name. 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. 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. Many citizens make the comment that they are told that it depends upon call volume. Throughout his career, Bryson has served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. He also said a larger facility built to code would give the county the opportunity to make money housing federal inmates. 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 wants to set up a merit-based system to recognize officers and individuals at the lower ranks. When it comes to recruiting new officers, he plans to reach out to community colleges and universities and suggests offering incentive pay for officers with prior law enforcement experience, training and certifications. Bryson and his wife Ariel have been married since 2014 and currently reside in the Cullasaja Community of Macon County. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (Task Force) has submitted its 2023 Annual Report to Governor Cooper and the NC General Assembly. In 2007, Nantahala was given four Deputy positions specifically for the Nantahala area. 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. Id be happy if they had a term limit.. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. 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. I am the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. Bryson is the proud father of four daughters and in 2019 became a grandfather for the first time. 2021 The Smoky Mountain News. We can strengthen the response in several ways. 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 . He said there is always room for improvement when it comes to transparency and communicating with the community. Were going to get out there and do our jobs like were supposed to, he said. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. Name on Ballot. I have become known over the years as a person that listens carefully to what people have to say.. The mission of this school is to produce prograrn graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed productive citizens. Those objections trigger a 90-day response time from the U.S. Forest Service. Breeden for School Board Facebook Page Antoine for Commisioner Facebook Link 2019 Citizen of the Year Article CONTACT US Mailing Address: Macon County Republican Party PO Box 595 Franklin, NC 28744 Email: maconrepublicans@gmail IN GOD WE TRUST Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. Macon County. In 2010, I transferred from road Corporal to Corporal over Civil Process and Courthouse Security. 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. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. 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. Early voting is underway across the state. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. I worked for the of Franklin While I eagerly awaited my 21 birthday, when I could begin the BLET program. He said in that capacity, his investigations, which included the use of wire taps, led to the seizure of kilograms of methamphetamine and crack cocaine at a time. Ive seen many people come ask for assistance.. I want them to see these are real people.. He plans to be out in the community where people can see him and get to know him. This site supports and informs our residents about voting, candidates, and events to promote this cause. 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. 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. He have served as a law enforcement officer since 2005, first with the Highlands Police Department and presently with the Macon County Sheriffs Office, totaling over 17 years. Length of Term Next Election Year On-Year or Off-Year Election* Term Limit Partisan or Non-Partisan Vacancy Filled By Notes My home, your home is Macon County, North Carolina! Holbrooks: My name is Brent and I am running for Sheriff of Macon County 2022. 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. 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 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. 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. Extreme aggressiveness on the drug problem, thats the number one problem, he said. Many of you already know me, my personality, and my character through our personal interactions over the years. Bryson said his education and his years with the department have given him boots-on-the ground experience coupled with administrative duties such as managing a budget, writing policy and implementing programs. The primary count will be finalized on May 27th and then the recount will happen after that. I obtained my law enforcement certification from Southwestern Community College and I began working at the Macon County Sherrifs Department in 1999. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much. In Macon County Republican primary, Brent Holbrooks defeated Dereck Jones by just 54 votes, or .74% (32.31% to 31.57%). He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. Cook: Considering the Nantahala Community currently has only as a School Resource Officer in their community, they absolutely need additional officers. There are five GOP candidates on the ballot: Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones, Chris Browning. As your Sheriff, I will be a problem-solver, dedicated to workplace, community and family balance. He also believes in treating people equally. 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 spoke to a MCSO Street supervisor and asked what it would take to get coverage into those areas. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. 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. 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.. Itd be a reconstruction of the whole department.. 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. Incarceration isnt going to solve the tragedy impacting our friends and neighbors struggling with drug addictions. The number one thing were going to do right off the bat is were going to go after the community drug dealers, he said. We need to be helping those who need help and want help, he said. At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. This is not a logical step in my career. Throughout my career, I served in many roles within the Sheriffs Office, first as a patrol deputy. At least three members of the Macon County Sheriff's Office have already announced their intent to be his replacement including Sgt. I am community oriented and believe in community partnerships, Jones said. I bring to the table experience. Bryson: I am Captain Clay Bryson and I was born and raised in Macon County and have spent half of my life, 21 years to be exact, as a Law Enforcement Officer with the Macon County Sheriffs Office. 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. No Democrats were on the ballot so this primary decides who will be the next Sheriff in the County. 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. 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. Bryson attends Community Bible Church in Highlands and is an active member of the community. I enjoy taking my children to the woods to hunt and learn about gun safety. Cook said his longest gig was working as an undercover narcotics detective, something he did for 14 years. Macon Countys rural nature, paired with geographical challenges puts the outlying areas of the county just as Nantahala and Burningtown at a disadvantage. P.O. Required fields are marked *. Persons must be registered Im not going to sit around and just let the drugs go crazy because were waiting on the big guy. 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. Shortly after Ashe was elected sheriff in 2002, Gunnels left "because of the politics involved." Personal, Professional, Education. Combine that with the body scanner and it will be a much safer situation for everybody, he said. 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. While Jones boasts diverse experience at MCSO, he highlighted his current role as a good example of why hes prepared to become sheriff. Cody Moore served as the Decatur Police Department's Deputy Chief until 2016 when he retired. She isnt surprised by the recount. It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. The people in Nantahala want to know someone is close by so they dont have to wait an hour.. OFFICE OF SHERIFF STATE-BY-STATE ELECTIONS INFORMATION STATE Elections Division Website State Elections Division Sheriffs' Election Info No. I am not looking for another career or a position for the next 20 years. Many people in our county do not have smart phones or internet service and this will ensure they are all able to register complaint. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. Civil process is one of the sheriffs three statutorily mandated duties and requires deputies to serve individuals with non-criminal papers, including domestic violence protective orders. This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. I dont think we need a new jail facility right now. he said. 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. 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. 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. He says that starts with the community drug dealers. NC Macon democratic party is to support ours believes that the government is to support the people. . Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. Bryson said incarceration is not going to solve all the problems related to the drug epidemic. I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. Right now, I dont have a set date on when we are going to perform it, said Thibault. Browning said leadership is key in recruiting and keeping officers. 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. Brent Holbrooks in Macon County won the. He said he would use the tough but caring philosophy he learned in the military. 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines, Courtesy of North Carolina Board of Elections. News and Updates Events TBD Meet-and-Greet Hotdog Dinner Get to know Chris Browning. The transition period will be so important, he said. Comment 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. 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. Items below are placed at the cadidates request, in the order received. 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. If I says I will accomplish something, I will make every effort to get it done. In 2018, he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and became the detention center administrator. Holbrooks wants to foster a positive work culture within the department and continue to advocate for competitive pay. 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. Ive served as team leader on the SWAT team for 15 years, while employed at the Macon County Sheriffs Office. They were never stationed out there. To view listings in your area, search by state below. 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. I intend on installing a drug tip hot line and making the supervisor over narcotics responsible to responses to the complaints. The video was released after a group of North Carolina media organizations including Blue Ridge Public Radio filed a complaint seeking its release. 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.. 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. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A new candidate is now in the running for Macon County Sheriff. I was perfectly retired, he said. These officers dont always get the recognition they deserve, but I appreciate each and every one of them more than they will ever know.. Any race decided less than a percentage point can head to a recount if requested. 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. In his current district, the political consequences of his decision are only just beginning to emerge. Discuss North Carolina politics. 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. Weve got to get out and listen to concerns, he said. The majority of drugs come from Atlanta, and the majority of those drugs are coming from Mexico, he said. I am the right individual for this position. 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