Five Republican candidates are vying to be the next sheriff of Macon County. Long-time sheriff Robert Holland announced his retirement in June 2021; he was first elected to the office in 2002. No Democrats are running in the race, which means whoever is elected in the May 17 primary will likely be the incoming sheriff to take office at the end of the year.
The five candidates are Bob Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck E. Jones, Chris Browning and Clay Bryson. To win, a candidate must get at least 30 percent of the vote plus one. In the event that does not happen, the second highest vote-getter can call for a recall, which would be held July 26.
During interviews and appearances at several recent forums, all five candidates agree the drug problem is the number one issue facing the county. They also agree on the need for more community patrolling and community involvement. Recruitment and retention of officers is an issue not just locally, but across the country. Each candidate has previous law enforcement experience, including three who currently work for the Sheriff’s Office.
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. The candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Bob Cook
Bob Cook said he isn’t running for sheriff as a career move. “I was perfectly retired,” he said. He chose to run because people were telling him about the issues they were having in the community and with the Sheriff’s Office.
“I am running to make a change in the direction of our Sheriff’s Office. I want to instill trust in the community once again. I want to address the issues the citizens tell me about on a near daily basis. I want to make our county safer for our families,” he said.
He says his experience has prepared him to make the needed changes. 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. He has taught basic law enforcement training in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Macon County.
“I am not looking for another career or a position for the next 20 years. This is not a logical step in my career. This is something I believe we desperately need,” he said. “I want to get into office, make the changes necessary and train the leaders of tomorrow within my agency.”
He sees the top issues facing the county’s law enforcement as drugs, patrol coverage, the perception of “good old boys” running the county and a lack of trust by citizens.
He says transparency is a pretty easy problem to fix. “When citizens ask questions, respond to them, within the law,” he said. He said when people don’t get a response it leads them to think there is something to hide. He plans to be out in the community where people can see him and get to know him. “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. “We’re going to get out there and do our jobs like we’re supposed to,” he said. “I will make sure my people are responsible for doing their jobs.”
Fighting drugs
Cook said during his law enforcement career he was exposed to every facet of drug-related crimes. He said while Macon County remains a small community, we are growing and with that comes more and more problems. “You need somebody that has experience in this field.”
He wants to partner with federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “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. “It will be so uncomfortable and so unprofitable they will want to go someplace else.”
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 don’t see patrols. They may not be driving straight up 441 but instead following one of the many backroads in and out of the county.
“We have to get better doing this patrol thing,” he said. “The people in Nantahala want to know someone is close by so they don’t have to wait an hour.”
He said ideally there would be seven deputies on duty each shift including a K9 officer, and with eight deputies per shift the department could maybe add highway interdiction.
“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. “The goal is to make it better for everybody in this county.”
Jail
Cook said improvements need to be made to the existing jail and eventually the county will need a new facility. “It absolutely needs to be replaced, but we need to plan for the future.”
He said adding a kitchen facility to the existing building would help save on what the county spends buying inmate meals from outside sources, and cooking would be something inmates could do. He also said a larger facility built to code would give the county the opportunity to make money housing federal inmates.
Cook also wants to review safety protocols for the jail and the courthouse. “We need to make sure we have a secure courthouse and a secure jail or we’re going to have big problems.”
Recruitment and retention
When it comes to recruiting new officers, Cook plans to visit classes during the law enforcement training academy here and in nearby areas. “We have an academy in our backyard, we need to be utilizing that as much as possible,” he said.
He said competitive wages are helpful in recruitment and keeping officers. “But you also have to have something for them to look to, benefits and treating people right,” he said. “Other officers are the best recruiters I’ve got.”
He said a good leader recognizes who the best people are, making them part of the leadership staff and delegating when possible.
What do you want voters to know?
I want the voters to know they can rely on me. I want them to know that I will never knowingly let them down. 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. I will work tirelessly to accomplish everything I have said I would do.
I want them to know that I will be transparent and responsive. If they have a question either myself or my staff will answer them. If they are a victim of a crime, it will be properly investigated. I have had a lifetime of service and feel that I have more to give the community I love so much.
Brent Holbrooks
Brent Holbrooks said his career in law enforcement was inspired by his father and grandfather’s decades of service to Macon County. As the third generation of his family to work in law enforcement, Holbrooks has spent his adult career with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, starting in 1999 as a deputy.
“I take great pride in building personal and professional relationships here in Macon County,” he said, adding that he is committed to the youth and believes he can make a difference in Highlands, Nantahala and other communities throughout the county.
In addition to his law enforcement experience Holbrooks said his personality and passion for getting to know the public will be a benefit he brings to the office if elected.
“I’m very approachable. I have a great relationship with the community,” he said. “I have become known over the years as a person that listens carefully to what people have to say.”
Holbrooks said while he may not know every aspect that goes into running the Sheriff’s Office, he will surround himself with others who can help him learn. “There’s going to be a learning curve for everybody,” he said.
Fighting drugs
Holbrooks says drugs is the number one problem facing the county. “Everything evolves around drug use – property crimes, assaults, domestic violence,” he said. “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.”
He wants to see more cooperation with federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration. He also plans to create a task force with assistance from surrounding counties to perform undercover work and set up drug buys.
“We need to be hard on the dealers and traffickers,” 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.
He says increasing community patrols will be important in curbing the drug issues as well as other criminal activity. He wants to have six deputies working per shift including a K9 unit on a regular patrol shift. With six deputies on duty, that will allow one each in Highlands and Nantahala with the remainder covering the rest of the county.
Jail
Holbrooks said there is not enough space in the current jail. “Do we need to add on to our facility? Absolutely for more bed space. I don’t think we need a new jail facility right now.” he said. “I think we need to get ours back up to what it needs to be. It all boils down to preventive maintenance. The upkeep of the building.”
Advocating for youth
“I have a deep commitment to our next generation of our youth,” Holbrooks said. “This is evidenced by my direct involvement in our schools, churches and as my passion as a coach and volunteer.”
He wants to see officers more involved with the county’s youth through community programs and youth sports.
“I want them to be in the schools other than the SROs and have positive interactions with our kids,” he said. “I’m constantly in schools, that’s my heart.”
“I will press for community related policies that will prompt our deputies to work with our stakeholders as role models, so that, together, our investment in the younger generation yields solid and measurable results.”
Recruitment and retention
Holbrooks wants to foster a positive work culture within the department and continue to advocate for competitive pay. 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.
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.
What do you want voters to know?
I’m a husband, a father, but most importantly I’m a Christian. I have deep commitment to all Maconians and to our youth. I am also committed to moving Macon County forward into the future and making it a model department for all Western North Carolina. These things, I’m very passionate about.
Dereck E. Jones
Dereck Jones began his law enforcement career in 2005 and has worked his way through the ranks, currently serving as a captain and jail administrator. “I bring to the table experience. I have worked every major position,” he said.
Jones said that while some old-school methods may still work, any organization must change with the times.
“Macon County is my home. 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. 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. This isn’t something that I take lightly, as I have been preparing for this day for many years.”
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 Center’s policies and procedures in 2019.
Jones said the jail was built in 1999 and by 2005 was already reaching capacity. 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.
Jones lists drugs, community partnerships, and training as the top three issues facing the county’s law enforcement.
Fighting drugs
Jones said fighting the drug epidemic is two pronged: cutting off the drugs on the front end and providing rehabilitation/mental health assistance.
“Macon County Sheriff’s Office alone cannot fight the drug problem,” he said, adding that the department must continue to partner with other agencies.
He said the Sheriff’s Office must continue to help educate the community about drug and substance abuse and he wants to see more mental health and rehabilitation resources available. “We need to be helping those who need help and want help,” he said. “I’ve seen many people come ask for assistance.”
Community partnerships
“I am community oriented and believe in community partnerships,” Jones said.
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 Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy.
He says it is important for the department to have officers in the community. “We’ve got to get out and listen to concerns,” he said.
Jones said he is a people person and wants people to know they can talk to him. “If people have a question, they can ask me; if they have a complaint, they can complain.”
He also believes in treating people equally. “I believe in fairness. I will always give you a fair shake,” he said.
Related to community partnerships is educating youth not only about the dangers such as drug use, but also showing them opportunities available. “If you can steer them away from that at an early age and follow them along,” he said. “We’ve got to reach out.”
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.
Recruitment and retention
Jones said education is important and he wants to expand training opportunities for the department. “We’re building leaders not just for today, but for tomorrow.”
His philosophy is to lead by example. He wants to set up a merit-based system to recognize officers and individuals at the lower ranks. “Money doesn’t always buy happiness,” he said.
He said all professions have bad apples and some young people are growing up with a negative impression of law enforcement.
“We have to start with the kids,” he said. “I’m big on community involvement and bringing our youth up to know and to show school-age children who we are.”
He said by reaching kids at an early age, you can begin sowing the mindset of giving back to community.
“I still have the love for reaching out and helping others.”
What do you want voters to know?
I am not a politician. I am a dedicated and passionate law enforcement professional with the education, training, and experience to lead the Macon County Sheriff’s Office into the future. It just happens to be a political position, but I am elected by the people and always for the people.
Chris Browning
Chris Browning wants to bring change to Macon County and an aggressive approach to the drug problem. “I’m the only one outside the department that can bring change.”
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. During that time, he says he has seen from the outside how the Sheriff’s Office operates and has a general idea of how they’re doing things.
“But I’m not working in that system. So when I go in, I’m going in with a fresh, clear head looking at the problems we have,” he said. “I have a totally different vision of anybody that’s working there now.”
He said after 20 years with one administration, it’s time for a change. “After 20 years of doing things the same way – it’s time for a whole different approach and attitude.”
Some of the top issues Browning wants to address are drugs, highway interdiction and increasing community patrols.
Fighting drugs
“Extreme aggressiveness on the drug problem, that’s the number one problem,” he said.
He says that starts with the community drug dealers. “The number one thing we’re going to do right off the bat is we’re going to go after the community drug dealers,” he said. “We’ll 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.”
“We’ve never got the big guy here.” He thinks the solution is starting at the bottom with the local dealers. “I’m not going to sit around and just let the drugs go crazy because we’re waiting on the big guy. It’s ridiculous.”
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.
“Any drug arrest is a good arrest. I’m not knocking what arrests are being done right now,” he said. “But with the amount of drugs in this town, we should be seeing busts every week. The evidence is there.”
As part of fighting the drug problem, Browning wants to add more resources to the narcotics division. He also wants to provide officers more training on highway interdiction and assign deputies with canine support to work Highway 441. “For all the drugs coming out of Atlanta, Athens, right through Macon County, into Jackson County, Swain County.”
Jail
With more arrests comes the need for more jail space. Browning said the county is already spending money to house inmates in other facilities and the time will come for a new jail. “It’s not a want, it’s a need for the county and long-term it’s going to save money,” he said.
While the county also makes money housing inmates from other counties, Browning said if a facility were built to federal code, the county could be paid to house federal inmates.
If elected he plans to invite the commissioners and other officials to tour the jail. 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 have to serve the needs of the public and the commissioners,” he said.
Recruitment and retention
Browning said leadership is key in recruiting and keeping officers. “They want someone who will allow them to go out and do their job and support them in doing their job,” he said.
He said he would use the “tough but caring” philosophy he learned in the military. “I’ll pat you on the back when you do a great job, but if you go against my policy, you’ll suffer the consequences.”
He said employees want to be treated fairly and equally. “They want unity. They want to know, ‘If I’m going by the rules, everybody has to be going by the rules.’”
He said he will hold people responsible for doing the jobs they were hired to do. “We’re going to get back to enforcing the law the way it is supposed to be done.”
What do you want voters to know?
I am committed to fair and equal treatment of all citizens. I will uphold the U.S. and N.C. Constitution. I will take on the drug dealers in each community and work with outside agencies to provide help to addicts. I will make sure my office is providing coverage to outlying communities.
Clay Bryson
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. “The good Lord gave me a platform to help others – a platform to do what I’ve wanted to do – give back and help people.”
Bryson has worked with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office
since taking the oath of office on his 21st birthday in 2000. He has served many roles in the agency and is currently captain over patrol. He said he decided to run because he wants to be part of moving the the office forward.
“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 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.
He said none of the candidates, including himself, know all the daily responsibilities that come with being sheriff. “The transition period will be so important,” he said.
Bryson said Macon County is his home, his children and grandchild are growing up here and he is dedicated to providing them a safe community to grow up in.
“My heart is in the right place. I’m passionate about what I do,” he said. “Crime has gotten so much worse, but we are doing so much. It is a battle we’re going to continue to fight.”
Fighting drugs
Bryson sees the drug problem as the number one issue facing the county. “I hear that everywhere I go,” he said. “The drug problem affects every single family in Macon County.”
His three-prong approach to the problem includes education, enforcement and rehabilitation.
His education program would include more trained School Resource Officers, including a roving K9 unit and K9 demonstrations in the schools. “The SROs are vigilant; they keep their eyes open,” he said.
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.
“I know how it affected me as a young man,” he said. “It started me leaning this direction and was very impactful on my life.”
He said a cadet program held when kids are out of school during the summer will help build relationships with youth.
“We don’t want youth to think we are unapproachable; if they need help, they can come to us. I want them to see these are real people.”
Bryson said more must be done on the enforcement end as well and wants to have a task force including the Sheriff’s Office and the Franklin and Highlands police departments. He also plans on continuing to make the K9 units a priority. “A dog is the number one tool in the war on drugs,” he said.
He said having the K9 units work closely with the narcotics division allows the department to better respond to drug related calls and investigations. He also wants to eventually increase the number of deputies on patrol to include one each in Highlands and Nantahala.
Bryson said incarceration is not going to solve all the problems related to the drug epidemic. He plans to seek grants and funding opportunities to make mental health resources and substance abuse treatment more readily available and accessible. “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
Jail
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.
He said there are some safety improvements needed. 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.
“Combine that with the body scanner and it will be a much safer situation for everybody,” he said.
Transparency
He said there is always room for improvement when it comes to transparency and communicating with the community. He wants to see officers involved in community events and a time for people to sit down with officers and share what their needs are.
“It gives us an idea on how to better prepare,” he said. “We can let them know what we are doing and what we can do.”
He said while the Sheriff’s Office has an app to share information with people, not everyone has may have access to technology or internet service. “It’s another way to reach people.”
Recruitment and retention
Bryson said education and the cadet program is a way to draw interest to the profession.
He said law enforcement was once a respected profession but is now often looked at as a “necessary evil.”
“The way we get around that is the education of our youth,” he said.
He said the county’s pay study helped get the department’s salaries to a competitive level with other agencies in the area. In-house training is helpful in retention as well.
When it comes to getting new officers, Bryson said the department will continue to recruit through the law enforcement academies and job fairs. “We’re doing a lot on that end of the spectrum, but you’ve got to have a willing body,” he said.
What do you want voters to know?
I am a passionate, dedicated law enforcement officer who puts God first, family second and career third. I am a man of my word.
I have the unique advantage of experiencing first-hand the multitude of ways law enforcement serves Macon County. I am the only candidate who can confidently stand on my record as a law enforcement officer in Macon County. I promise to lead the Macon County Sheriff’s Office with experience and integrity.
- By Mia Overton/The Franklin Press