All three candidates asked me for my endorsement and to make my endorsement public.
I told them that I would endorse the best available remaining candidate and that my decision would not be based on any friendships, relationships (working or personal), or promises made.
It would be based on who I think would do the best job for the citizens, deputies, and who could work with other departments to prevent and solve crime. While doing my research I focused on two specific but very important eras — the eras were before the fall of 2012 and after the fall of 2012.
Even though others weren’t informed until around six months later, this is the timeframe when the administration at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office was notified that Sheriff Frazier would be retiring.
Therefore, I looked at what each candidate did for their department, officers and the community they served before they were doing it just for votes. I spoke with each candidate personally, read each of their websites, spoke with some of their workers and co-workers including current and former supervisors, subordinates and co-workers of the same rank.
I spoke with their friends, peers, officers from other local law enforcement agencies, attorneys, district attorneys office staff, court personnel, judges, and other criminal justice professionals. I used all the information gathered, along with my personal knowledge of each candidate to aid me in making my decision.
I have decided to support and endorse Mark Macon for sheriff. Mark Macon has a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. He was a deputy, narcotics agent, detective sergeant, lieutenant of investigations, and has been the police chief in Weldon for over eight years.
He has completed training in the law enforcement executive program at N.C. State University, chief executive leadership training and he is a law enforcement instructor. Under Macon, Weldon Police Department has been awarded several grants and participated in numerous crime prevention programs.
The grant money was used to purchase new cars, guns, other equipment and training for his officers. Macon also used the money in partnership with the town of Weldon to install security cameras throughout Weldon to help prevent, deter, and solve crime. He created or modified other programs in Weldon, such as, a home safety program, community watch, business check, junior explorer, officer adopt a class, and a police and pastors program.
Macon partnered with Weldon City Schools and started a badges for baseball program, and also helped students with their senior project.
In partnership with Head Start and the Weldon Library he reads to kids at both in school and after school programs. Mark Macon has proven by not only his words but also his actions that he is more than just a placeholder.
Macon has proven that he is a strong leader, manager and supervisor.
Macon has also dedicated his time in law enforcement to train and educate not only himself but also his co-workers and the community he serves.
These are things he was doing before it was for a vote. So, on November 4, I urge you to vote Mark Macon for Sheriff.
Tyree Davis
May Democratic sheriff candidate
