. I returned back as road patrol officer and shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Corporal. Browning said the county is already spending money to house inmates in other facilities and the time will come for a new jail. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. Republican Chris Browning, also running for sheriff, did not return multiple phone calls and Facebook messages requesting an interview for this story. 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. Both Sarah and I enjoy coaching our little ones in community league sports, we also volunteer with various youth and childrens programs at Cowee Church, where we are both members. Holbrooks says drugs is the number one problem facing the county. A recount has been called for in the Macon County Sheriff's race. 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. Lilly Knoepp serves as BPRs first fulltime reporter covering Western North Carolina. I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids, he said. He said law enforcement was once a respected profession but is now often looked at as a necessary evil.. Any race decided less than a percentage point can head to a recount if requested. As I embrace this journey to become your Sheriff, I do so knowing that together we can make a difference. Unlike the three other candidates mentioned in this story, Bob Cook came to Macon County a bit later in life. 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 five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. Cook: Considering the Nantahala Community currently has only as a School Resource Officer in their community, they absolutely need additional officers. 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. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abc3707f8ab1c57b22438d4200acd0da" );document.getElementById("e96589b9de").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. law enforcement today has changed! 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.. Name on Ballot. Dereck Jones and his wife Jessica who works as a public health nurse have three children. 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. If you can steer them away from that at an early age and follow them along, he said. The evidence is there., As part of fighting the drug problem, Browning wants to add more resources to the narcotics division. 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. He said there is always room for improvement when it comes to transparency and communicating with the community. 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. He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth. Graham County will choose a Republican sheriff and Jackson County will choose a school board seat. Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. My three older children are young adults and they have been raised and educated here in Macon County. Many were close races. Born and raised in Newton, Iowa, Cook joined the Navy in 1972 and served until 1992 as a personnel specialist. The Detention Center is one of the highest liability areas in the Agency., Jones: Personnel. His philosophy is to lead by example. The drug problem affects every single family in Macon County.. Holbrooks wants to foster a positive work culture within the department and continue to advocate for competitive pay. Related to community partnerships is educating youth not only about the dangers such as drug use, but also showing them opportunities available. In 1893 he was elected by the largest vote received by any candidate, as a member of the first board of county commissioners of Chatham under the new law for such boards that went into effect at that time. He said none of the candidates, including himself, know all the daily responsibilities that come with being sheriff. While he has served in a few different capacities, hes currently in charge of the county detention center. We dont plan to change that model. 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. So, the question isnt whether you know me, the real question you may ask is can I vote for Brent Holbrooks as Macon Countys next Sheriff? My vision for the Office of Sheriffs simple, BE A STRONG YET COMPASSIONATE LEADER who listens to every voice equally a leader that is in-touch with the residents, a leader that understands what being a public law enforcement servant is all about, a leader that respects everyone. Im a father, Im a husband, and most importantly, Im a Christian, he said. Although Holbrooks said he respects Holland, he isnt happy with the status quo. Sheriff Brent Holbrooks - 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner Dereck E. Jones - 2314 (31.57 percent) Clay Bryson - 1123 (15.32 percent) He is also employed as an adjunct instructor of law enforcement training at Southwestern Community College where he instructs Basic Law Enforcement Training cadets, National Park Service, in-service training, and anything else at the request of the college. Jones: Combating the drug epidemic, community relations/partnerships, and training in specific areas. 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. Im a law enforcement professional seeking to do what needs to be done through community involvement, he said. We are all fighting the same problem and dealing with many of the same offenders across jurisdictions. The men and women of the MCSO also volunteer their . He plans to be out in the community where people can see him and get to know him. 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. He has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon County. Were doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but youve got to have a willing body, he said. The order the candidate answers will appear will be determined by order responses are received. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people. The SROs are vigilant; they keep their eyes open, he said. If they are a victim of a crime, it will be properly investigated. 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. Ive served as team leader on the SWAT team for 15 years, while employed at the Macon County Sheriffs Office. It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.. Next, I would take the four K-9 Officers and place one per shift. But for those who do not, I wanted to give you a glimpse into who I am and why I am requesting your support. Chatham County (locally / t t m / CHAT-m) is a county located in the Piedmont area of the U.S. state of North Carolina.As of the 2020 census, the population was 76,285. I also have been the affiant on 99 separate telephone facility wire intercepts. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. Eventually, Cook found his way to Macon County. You never know where WUNC's events will take you. With that being said, we need to get the courthouse secured, and we need to get the X-ray machines up and going.. The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. It's Official, There's A New Sheriff (candidate) In Town. Individuals and organizations had 60-days for final objections on the plan but only if they had previously commented. He says that starts with the community drug dealers. I want them to see these are real people.. Next, he wants to ensure drug laws are enforced within MCSO jurisdiction. I have proudly served under Sheriff Robbie Holland in a variety of progressively more responsible leadership roles that I hope to have culminate in being elected Sheriff in 2022. Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession. My approach to attacking Macon Countys drug problem centers around pooling resources and looking at all angles. They are often the first faces our youngest community members meet and may be the first law enforcement officers our children encounter. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. Many of you already know me, my personality, and my character through our personal interactions over the years. Free Independent Weekly Newspaper - Distributed in Franklin, Highlands, Dillsboro, Webster, Cullowhee, Scaly Mountain, N.C.; Dillard & Clayton, Ga. Franklin Town Council Holds Annual Retreat, Macon County missionary returns from frontlines of Ukraine War, FHS cheer team reaches Nationals for first time. Wednesday, April 27, 2022. They felt disenfranchised and saw what they considered as the good old boy club being treated differently than everyone else. She says that the recount will likely take place after Memorial Day. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested and charged Evan Jordan Jensen, 30, with one felony count of indecent liberties with a child. Weve got to do what we can and deal with them appropriately when they get here.. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio and were asked the same questions. I will also not lie to them. To submit a listing for consideration, click here . That would give me one more per shift for a total of six. Brent Holbrooks is a lieutenant at the MCSO who has been with the office about 23 years. The only elections here in Western North Carolina are runoffs. That increased presence and visibility will only benefit the county as a whole. 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. This week is Part I of the sheriff's candidate profiles with Clay Bryson, Bob Cook and Dereck Jones. The sheriff is not a title for me, he said. 91.1 Welcome 91.9 Fayetteville 90.5 Buxton SROs play an invaluable role in our agency. 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 said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. Leading up to the primary, The Macon County News will publish candidate profiles for local offices. This starts within our schools and each individual community. The proposals I have made thus far are not new ideas. As such, I have had to learn to step back and look at whatever the situation is and think outside the box to develop a successful plan of attack. He plans to seek grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible. 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. If people have a question, they can ask me; if they have a complaint, they can complain.. Six counties in the westernmost part of North Carolina elected new sheriffs in the primary election. since taking the oath of office on his 21st birthday in 2000. So when I go in, Im going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have, he said. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriffs Office with experience and integrity. He said when people dont get a response it leads them to think there is something to hide. 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. Voters in half a dozen cities are choosing mayors and other municipal positions. They may not be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads in and out of the county. 5) Any closing words you want to say to voters. Cook: While each area can be improved upon, the Investigations area can use some improving. P.O. Bob Cook said he isnt running for sheriff as a career move. That is something the military instilled in me. 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. Answer from candidate 5. so forth and so on. Macon County - Sheriff Robert Holland is retiring after serving in the role since 2002. He said the need for a new or upgraded facility will be something the new sheriff will have to talk with the Board of County Commissioners about. 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. Jones said that while some old-school methods may still work, any organization must change with the times. I will always give you a fair shake, he said. How do you think law enforcement can strengthen its response to these problems? 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 I have said from the time I announced my candidacy for sheriff that we must work together to fight this issue. There were five candidates in the race. 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. During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. He served in that capacity until 1897, with credit to himself and honor and profit to the people. They also agree on the need for more community patrolling and community involvement. 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