November 5, 2025 • 34 mins
Tune in here to this Wednesday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!
Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the recent developments at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center following another inmate death, as well as the ongoing challenges surrounding the closure of the Juvenile Detention Center at Jail North. Joined in-studio by Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden, Jensen dives into the details of the investigations being handled by the SBI and the complexities behind reopening the juvenile facility. Sheriff McFadden clarifies that while his office once partnered with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the state ultimately bears responsibility for providing bed space and staffing — a challenge worsened by high vacancy rates
The discussion also highlights McFadden’s recent letter to state officials urging accountability and transparency, with both agreeing that a public forum is needed to address the issue.
Later in the show, Jensen teases a conversation about McFadden’s potential re-election bid.
Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen.
To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Hi oh, let's go oh, Let's go oh, Let's go oh.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Come News Talking eleven ten and ninety nine three WBT
Brett Jensen here with you on this special edition of
a Wednesday Night of Breaking with Brett Jensen. As we
go up until seven o'clock tonight, seven four or five,
seven eleven ten telephone numbers always, and that is also
the WBT text line driven by of course Liberty Buick
GMC and Lonnie and Isaac are up here, so they'll
(00:52):
be manning the text line. So if you send in
a reasonable text or a worthwhile text, Lonnie and or
Isaac will be reading it to me. So, but the
reason tonight is special. Tomorrow I will tell you this.
Tomorrow I will do an autopsy on last night's election results. Okay,
so tomorrow night I'll break everything down. Huntersville, Matthews, Charlotte,
(01:13):
the tax referendum, the mayor's race, the school board race, everything.
I'll be breaking all this down and really what it
means going forward for Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, everything.
So tomorrow we'll be doing a post mortem or an
autopsy on everything. The reason I'm not doing it tonight.
Is if you follow me on Twitter like you should
at Brent Underscore Jensen, then you would know the special
(01:35):
guest in studio with me for the entire hour tonight
is Mecklinburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden. And so, first of all,
I really do appreciate you coming in tonight. It's I'm
still trying to get used the fact that it's dark
at six o'clock, but thank you for coming in tonight.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
I appreciate that.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
We lease well, thank you. We glad to be here
as always.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
So we're gonna get into a lot of things tonight.
We've got a lot of things we're gonna get into.
The jail North, the juvenile Detention center we talked on
and I got a lot of feedback about our conversation
about Ice and you know, the cooperation that you and
Ice now have with the Meclamore County Courthouse and everything else.
So I got a lot of positive feedback about that
conversation we had on Monday. So we're not really going
(02:13):
to get too much into that, because if you want
to go back and know what we're talking about, go
back to Monday show and you can listen to the
interview that I had with the Sheriff McFadden at four
o'clock on Monday, to be exact.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
So, but I want to.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Start off with there seems to be some there were
some breaking news that happened a little bit earlier, so
I want to start off with that. About another death
at the juveni or excuse me, at the Melamore County
Detention center of the jail.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
What can you tell us about that?
Speaker 4 (02:43):
Well, we had to death recently.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
We cannot get into any details about it because it
is a parallel investigation with the SBI and other entities,
and so we really can't talk about it. But you know,
it is sad that someone did die at the detention center.
But you know when people get upset about people dying
at the detention center, what we can always say that
(03:07):
we're doing the best that we can. We're doing a
great job. But most of the deaths there are because
of poor health and poverty and all the other things.
And so why is it always a big issue because
it is the jail or detention center and I am
the sheriff, which is a part of the lightning rod.
But you know, people die in rest homes, clinical places,
(03:30):
and hospitals.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
Every day, and so we are no different.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
We're not immune to it, but it is a tragedy
for the families and also our staff because we have
to deal with it on a personal level.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
And so I just want to make sure I'm curious.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
So when there is a death, you know, whether it's
a drug overdose or they come in sick or whatever.
Like we talked about on Monday, is it is every
death automatically investigated by the SBI.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
Yes, there are yes. That began a couple of years ago.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
So the SBI comes in and do the investigation and
take it from there. And so they are the lead investigators.
And here's what we try to tell people, and we
want to have this conversation later we can. And you know,
I saw where the news clips say waiting for the autopsy. Well,
if you look at any autopsy or look at the
findings of the disc attorney's office or the SBI, it
(04:18):
will give you better information than sensationalize it as only
a death, you know, look at the cause and manner,
and then you will get more information than just saying
there's a death at Meccnburg County Detention Center.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
So you made news last week and a lot of
people took notice, and a lot of people it was
a very positive response about the situation that we talked
about Monday with your the newfound cooperation that ICE has
agreed and you guys have come to this mutual agreement
on things and some of the parameters and standards that
you've set forth and ICE has agreed to them. But
now let's talk a little bit about the juvenile detention
(04:53):
center in Jail North because I know that you reached out,
you sent a letter earlier to you know, a representative
up and Raley that deals with public safety and all that.
So can you talk about that?
Speaker 1 (05:04):
Well, everyone, let me, as they say, a level set.
That's a new word, So let me level set this.
Everyone believes that it is the Mecklenburg County sheriff responsibility
for the juvenile detention center to be reopened. We are
not statutorily mandated to run the detention center, which means
(05:25):
that it is up to the Department of Juvenile Justice
to find bed space for these juveniles. We just so
happened to agree with them. We just so happened wanted
to work with them. Back in twenty nineteen, and we
were happy to take on that responsibility. Now, let me
fast forward quickly. We are still happy to take on
(05:46):
that responsibility. But you have to bring more to the
table than you're bringing. And so why the Juvenile Detention
Center is closed. Well back when everyone was resigning from
their job, with the Great Resignation, the state decided to
begin to target us on expections. I called several people
in Raleigh who had no answer for me, and I said,
(06:09):
it is unusual in the inspections that we're getting at
this particular time. And so when they send these expections
to Raleigh about Jail Central, let me get this straight,
about Jail Central or Downtown, they always shift that to
the counter commissioners and the public officials, and then they
do a knee jerk reaction of sure, if you've got
(06:30):
to do something, you've got to do something. And so
this goes on for quite some time, and then it
got down to you must do something. So the only
way that we could increase the staffing at Jail Central
Detention Center Central is to close the Juvenile Detention Center.
And when we did that, that's when everything started. But
(06:51):
the State of North Carolina, the Apartment of Juvenile Justice
is responsible and is mandated to find beds throughout the
state for the juveniles. And this is a long conversation,
so as we know that there were many backdoor conversation,
back room conversation and discussions, we decided to ask them
(07:12):
which we're going to still find a date to have
a public hearing, and we put everything out on the
table so we won't look like the bad guys.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
And we're speaking with the Bechalburk County Sheriff Garry McFadden
exclusively here on breaking with Brad Jensen. The letter that
he sent was to Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, who's the
Department of Public Safety in the Division of Juvenile Justice,
which is what he's talking about. And the letter was
sent actually on Halloween Day, so just last week last Friday,
as a matter of fact. You know, the argument from
(07:41):
the state, and we've got like two minutes here, but
the argument from the state is we want to rent
it from you. We will take it over, we will
rent the space, will rent everything from you, pay you rent,
and let us hire the people to run the juvenile
detention center. Let us hire people. Let us try to
do that from a statewide seat. And that's the argument
(08:01):
that you will hear from people from the state.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Well, they can't. And here's why. I mean they can't
fulfill the beds. I mean they can't fulfill the employment.
Why because Cabaris County Detention Center has a thirty to
forty percent vacancy rate. So they can't even fill the
vacancy rate in their current buildings. So why should I
give them a building that we could We are definitely
still using and we're definitely occupying it. That you can't
(08:26):
feel that is an inaccurate statement.
Speaker 4 (08:29):
They can't. They can say they rented, but can they
feel the employment?
Speaker 3 (08:34):
No?
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Can they fill it with detentions offices? No?
Speaker 1 (08:36):
If you could, why do you have thirty to forty
percent vacancy rate at a current facility? So what I
said about that, close that facility and allow me to
hire everyone from that facility. We won't have to vet
them out. We don't have I mean, sure we have
to look at them, but we'll bring all of them over.
Speaker 4 (08:55):
So that will save millions.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
And I've heard a lot, I've never heard a good
thing about the situation up in Cabara's.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Case, there is no good situation about Cabaras County if
you want to be accurate about it.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Yeah, I've never heard a good thing about this.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
So we and I want to talk about this, and
this is why we will have public hearings forums to
talk about it, because we're going to lay everything out
on the table. Surely have some people who believe that
they can fix it. Sure they can throw around some numbers.
Sure somebody say, well, I'm going to open it, but
do you know what it takes to open it. We
know what it takes to open it, We know what
to how to run it. And we're going to talk
(09:28):
about that again tonight, all.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Right, when we return, Sheriff McFadden, he's going to tell
me and tell us whether or not he's going to
run for reelection in Melimurre County because three people I
believe three people have already announced, maybe four, but I
know of at least three people have already announced that
they're going to run for sheriff for Meclimurk County. And
we're going to talk to Sheriff McFadden about that when
(09:51):
we return, talk about Thank're breaking with Brad Jensen on
this Wednesday night, Mecklimburth County Sheriff Gary McFadden is in
studio with me for the full hour, and again this
we're going to be a lot of different topics later
on tonight or through this show tonight, like a lot.
(10:14):
And we've talked about jail north in a recent mcliberth
County Detention Center death or jail death. And now let's
talk about specifically the election. From December first until December nineteenth, nineteen.
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Days, nineteen days, you have the opportunity to file for
reelection anyone running for election in the year of twenty
twenty six, Yes, and the primary will be in March.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
I believe March third, if I'm not mistaken. So with
all that being said, there's been at least three candidates
announced their candidacy for Mecklimberth County Sheriff, potentially four, I
can't remember there's four or not, but at least three.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
And with that.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Being said, are you going to make it the fourth
person or maybe in the fifth person to be running
for that officer? Are you going to be running for reelection?
Because you've been very very quiet, and a lot of
people have been wondering is sheriff McFadden running for reelection
or not. Like a lot of people have been anxiously
waiting this, they.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
Have been actually waiting. What if I give you a card?
Speaker 3 (11:14):
All right, what's this card here?
Speaker 4 (11:17):
What that card?
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Says a man of his word. The answer is yes.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
So if we have a couple of coffee on this.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Well there it is. Look at that. I didn't see
that the mug.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
So we have a mug here, and I'm gonna have
coffee on Yes, And this is my official announcement. Nobody
knew I waited to the day. This is a good
place to announce it. Announce it. Yes, I'm going to
run for reelection. And that's all we're going to tell you.
If you want to know, come and see us, Come
and have these conversations. Well, if it's not a fourth,
(11:47):
it's a fourth now, and I welcome anybody with the conversations.
We're not going to run, We're not going to hide.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
We haven't.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
And so somebody says why because I am not done.
I'm not done yet, and because me and the citizens
of Meconburry County are not done. Uh, And so, like
I said, the answer is yes.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
So we spoke a lot and then.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
Let me push this button so everybody I'll know that.
So I'm going to send out this nice email. Oh
there it is right now, and you.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
Should be able to get it.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
If we don't, you could wait, you could wait and
give me a little you can give you like a
thirty forty minute head.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (12:23):
Always let everybody know, because everybody wants to let.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
Them get it from here.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
From that, nobody passes out or anything.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
That they can, they can get it. They can get
it at the top of the hour. They can get
the good little selfishness there on my.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Oh that's right, that's right, all right.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
But let me ask you this.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
You and I spoke during the summer, we spoke during
the spring, We even spoke a couple of months ago,
and even then you were truly unsure because of you know,
some personal things going on at home and everything else.
Speaker 3 (12:51):
And so what was the ultimate deciding factor.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
That I'm not done.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
I'm not gonna let anybody tell me what to do,
how to do it, when to do it, or when
to leave.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
And that's what I mean. So don't twist that.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
It was never that I was not completely not saying
I'm not going to do it. I had to look
at my family. I had to look at my wife,
had to look at my kids, I had to look
at people who surround me. And of course we know
loyalty is my big issue. People are not loyal. I
should ask people before I hired them, are you loyal?
Loyalty is going to be a part of this campaign, Trustworthiness,
(13:29):
all of that, and so you have to say do
you want to go through that again?
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Knowing who you are?
Speaker 1 (13:34):
But take the criticism of people who've never even seen me,
just probably heard me or read something on the TV.
And the perfect example is this when I got tired
of everybody talking about Ice and hear in order of
the Red Drink, and I heard my fellow sheriffs in Texas, Florida, California, Nebraska,
everybody sitting at a convention, I mean sitting at a convention,
(13:58):
and they were complaining about what they were not doing.
I decided to come back and have a conversation with Ice.
That conversation now is the best conversation I've had and
continuously to have with Ice. So then when you put
everything to a side and just do what you need
to do, stay focused on what you're doing, you're successful.
(14:21):
So people can't say, well, he didn't do anything. You're
just listening to what people tell you. And here's what
I asked, is that your experience with me, you're just
reading it, you're just looking at it on the media
or the you know, as we call the word salad,
But have you personally come and talk to me and
had a conversation. That conversation with Ice at that time
(14:44):
made me understand that we cannot just listen to the Rederick,
We cannot listen to the goss gossip. We just have
to listen to each other, have a conversation, put everything
to a side, and let's go forward. When we did
that with Ice, it successful. To the day it is successful.
We got a call. I have heard from Ice probably
(15:05):
five times since that conversation. So that made me understand
critics are going to be critics. Critics and crickets about
the same thing. Both use for bait, both for fishing,
and so then what happens is we just have to
put all that to a side and say, let's do
the work of the people. The reason Ice came in
because they were tied to and what we're operating now
(15:28):
is what we believe that we're going to operate in.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
Now here's what we said.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
We're not doing an enforcement with them, We're just cooperation,
collaboration and communication. So then I have to look at
can we get through this over the next years without
all of the shenanigans and everything else. But after talking
to the men and women inside who are incarcerated, and
the mothers who called me daily, they say that we
(15:53):
need you. No matter what they said, my work is
not done.
Speaker 3 (15:57):
Everyone at home on board.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Everybody is on board, and they understand it is this
is going into my forty fifth year.
Speaker 4 (16:04):
But people don't.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
I think people don't understand what it is to involve
your family, what it is involve your friends.
Speaker 4 (16:11):
What does it involve your coworkers.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
When you talk against the detention center, you're not only
talking against Sheriff macfadden. You're talking against my staff who
work daling gently every day. And so they get tired
of going to the grocery store and hearing, well, how'd
your sheriff? How do you like working for them? They
don't want to hear that. You know, they don't want
to wear their uniform home. They want to work. I
have an amazing staff. We have a world class staff
(16:34):
agency from around the country come to view our detention center.
Mecklenburg County should be proud to have this detention center
seated inside Mecklenburg County and ran by me and my staff.
We are a triple crown. Probably more crowns come in later.
We are now serving thirty six other counties with mental health.
(16:57):
Nobody else is doing that. And so we have to
listen to the Redricks. And I talked to my staff
because when you beat me up or beat the detention setup,
you beat my staff up too, And so I have
to go to them. Are y'all willing to go through
this redrick again? And they said yes? And that was
the you know, put everything out. We're gonna drink our
(17:17):
coffee and we're gonna continue to fight because the answer
is yes, because we are not done.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
That's it.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Riff fatten here, I didn't even see the coffee.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Monkey's gonna coffee, says Sheriff McFadden twenty twenty six, and
or re elect in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 4 (17:34):
I'll get you one.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
And if anybody will have a cup of coffee and
have a true conversation and not just listen to what
other people say, let's do it because I have never
ran from a good conversation. Now you may not want
to hear what I say, because we are factual, fearless,
but most of all faithful to this community.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
When we return, I do want to get into some
I want to get into a different conversation with the
sheriff when we return. Welcome back to Breaking with Brett
Jensen on this Wednesday night, in case you just missed it,
Sheriff Gary mcfatten is in studio with me for the
full hour and we've talked about a lot of things,
(18:13):
but most recently about five minutes ago, he just announced
his intentions to run for reelection on Breaking with Brett Jensen,
and he will be running for reelection of Mecklamberg County Sheriff.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
He's seeking his.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Third term and that will start in the December when
you officially file, he announced today, and the candidates, whether
they're running for sheriff or county commissioner or senator, whatever,
from December first through December nineteenth, that's when candidates will
officially file and sign their name on the Board of
Election documents that they are officially running for office. And
(18:46):
so again that announcement just coming down just moments ago,
all right, So I want to completely change gears. You
talked about your early reelection and everything else. I remember
the one of the I remember the first day I
ever met you, Okay, and you and I after you
had this round table with media, just just a private,
(19:09):
off the record conversation with all the media. And afterwards,
you and I sat outside the detention center for probably
forty five minutes on the sidewalk, and we went over
a lot of things, and we talked about a lot
of different things. And so I feel comfortable asking you
(19:31):
this because I want to talk to you about this.
You know, last night's election, you know, a lot of
people were surprised, a lot of people, you know, most
people were surprised. Even the Democrats were surprised, and a
lot of the way things turned out. But I want
to ask you about the power within Mecklinburg County.
Speaker 3 (19:52):
And I feel like I can ask you this more
than anyone else.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
Sure, thirty percent of Mecklinburg County is black African American,
but it's superintendent, police, chief, fire chief, district attorney, mayor, mayor,
pro tem city manager, county manager, county attorney, city attorney,
(20:16):
the the well I know I'm missing something like, oh,
the chair of the County Commissioners, the chair of the
CMS school Board.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
I'm curious, why do you think.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
That the African Americans in Mecklinberg County and Charlotte have
been so successful? They they little when Dina Diorio retired
as county manager. African Americans have every single position. And
why do you think the African Americans have been like yourself,
have been so successful in gaining every single position in
(20:50):
Mecklimbore County.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
Well, I think it goes back to we have always
some of us, some of us have been already. Parre
was already prepare for these positions was but were never
given the opportunity. And so we had to go to
our communities and tell our communities we are ready and
(21:12):
we are ready to lead, and we are ready to
be different and we are ready to make change. Now
that comes hard, and you know we haven't discussed We
always say we never discussed anything that you ask. And
so here's here's what I'm going to say. Gary McFadden
is a perfect example. When I took office, it's hard
(21:32):
to be the first of anything, but when you are
first African American first black.
Speaker 4 (21:36):
To take it. Then you have two expectations.
Speaker 1 (21:40):
You have the Black community expect this for you to
do and then you have the other communities expect you
to do this, do something different, and so then you
have to balance yourself in.
Speaker 4 (21:50):
The middle of it and do good for the people.
Speaker 1 (21:54):
And I'm going to say that, and why because I
knew this challenge was going to be hard, and I
knew it's gonna be difficult, and I expect a lot
of it. I didn't expect the disloyalty of it. But
the success from our community says, give him a chance.
Let's see he if he can do it correctly, and
we will open the door for someone else. And I
(22:15):
think the doors are being open for a lot of
African Americans blacks if they take the opportunity and successfully
willingly to take the criticism.
Speaker 4 (22:29):
But also do a good job.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
No matter what anybody says about Sheriff macfadden and his
staff at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, we have done
an amazing job under my leadership, and we will continue
to do an amazing job. But we have to give
them a chance, and we cannot beat them so much
for every small thing but we were always ready, but
(22:54):
never provided the opportunity to show our cards. Just left
talking to another state. They have the same profit, but
on the opposite they have people ready to go who
are African Americans, blacks, but not given the chance. And
I think that when we are given the chance and
can open the doors for others, you will see that
(23:18):
we are qualified and ready.
Speaker 3 (23:20):
Do you you.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
Talked about doing the balance between the black community and
the white community.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
Do your biggest critics come from the black community or
do they come from the white community.
Speaker 4 (23:29):
Both?
Speaker 1 (23:29):
They're both, they're both, you know, and I hear it both.
I hear it equally, and you think about it, and
then you know it is tough being the first time
black leader, believe it or not. I was trying to
find something that me and another sheriff talked about just Sunday,
because what you just asked me is the cool conversation
(23:51):
that we had with each other Sunday, which is amazing,
and we say that when people came against me that
look like me, it was disheartening. I felt betrayed, but
now I clearly understand why because it's deeply rooted into
their history.
Speaker 4 (24:10):
Because people who were.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
Telling them what to do, how to do it, didn't
look like me, And then when a person looked like
them is telling them what to do and how to
do it.
Speaker 4 (24:20):
They may question a little bit.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
Me and my staff talk about it all the time,
think about the same things happening to other sheriffs in
America and some.
Speaker 4 (24:31):
Of the other sheriff privileged to me.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
But you never hear about it, only because I am
the lightning rod that takes all of the heat and
then very few times that I'm defended, and so then
it leaves the door to open. So when you're talking
about black leadership, the black community expects you to understand
(24:55):
what they need because you probably came from those same needs. Now,
the other side of the community may not understand it
because once you take office, you're supposed to be for both.
Speaker 4 (25:07):
Sides and equal and so that's a hard balance.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
But as you say, and I didn't look at it
that way until you just said it, there's that is
a powerful That is a powerful thing.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
Yeah, but it takes all of us to work together.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
Yeah, And it's thirty percent. I looked at up.
Speaker 2 (25:22):
Thirty percent of the demographic is you know, black African American,
and it's but yet they're always getting you know, they're
getting elected. You know, you look at the you know,
the city council has one white male at drinks, and
you look at the school board you know there's there
were zero white males. And you look at the county Commission,
(25:42):
zero white males. And so I think people just go,
how does this happen? And then you know, like in
terms of representation for the whole county, and then go
But again it's not like they're being appointed.
Speaker 3 (25:54):
They're they're getting they're winning all the elections.
Speaker 4 (25:56):
But do you think about it?
Speaker 1 (25:57):
Why why are we still talking about the first black
Why are we talking about the first black female.
Speaker 4 (26:04):
Chief of police? Why are we still talking about the
first black shriff.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
That's difficult because that burden is on us as black
leaders to produce and produce and produce.
Speaker 4 (26:18):
And then we are human.
Speaker 1 (26:19):
And that's what I think we don't really realize we
are human. We have problems to be in our family,
we have sickness in our family, we have.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
Issues in our family.
Speaker 1 (26:28):
But then what happens is and me and my good
friend Christy Puckett was talking because she had me to
talk about community in this community conversation. You hold us
to a higher expectation, but you do nothing to support
that expectation or make sure that.
Speaker 4 (26:49):
We are what you believe that we should be.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
You sit back and said, well, he's the sheriff, and instantly,
because I was the sheriff, then I have instant power
to be.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
What you expected.
Speaker 1 (27:01):
Well, we hold you to a higher standard. Well, spell
those higher standards out to me. We can say that
we hold you to a higher standards, or what is
that standard? The same thing when I tell people when
it's an officer use of force, and people said, well,
he said he's in fear for my life, what does
that mean?
Speaker 4 (27:20):
Can the officer articulate what he perceived?
Speaker 1 (27:24):
Yes, So when you said you hold me to a
higher standard, can I get a list of them? And
do you understand that I'm human and I may fail
and I may not be exactly what you expect. But
if I'm not exactly what you expect, why don't you
pour into me instead of criticizing me? And I'll say this,
this is why I believe now, And people so amazed
(27:46):
behind Ice and me working together. No, we just said
move away, critics, get away. You know, diviters politicians. Can
we talk and it worked amazing. One letter, one conversation
moved everything. But we are ready as blacks African Americans
to lead, but we need you to support us when
(28:09):
we lead and not pour so much on us that
you believe that we should do. Make sure that you
support us and make sure that we have the necessary
tools to lead. Just because we said that we are ready,
and you might see if we're not, come and talk
to us.
Speaker 4 (28:25):
We just have the same have a conversation.
Speaker 3 (28:27):
That's it.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Well, like I said, I knew you were one of
the people that I could ask about this because I
just I find it fascinating. You know that here's but
you know, every single position of power for a community
that's thirty percent but literally hold every single position of power.
And I and a lot of people are like, want
to know how that happened? Then I keep saying, well,
because they're running for office and they're being elected, and
(28:51):
I like every single person that's running for sheriff, I
think is African American.
Speaker 1 (28:54):
Well imagine this, this this is a joke. Imagine when
we saw everything white. Every position that we saw being
in leadership is white. You can when people criticize me
and they talk about me. If you look at their Facebook.
I said, okay, say you don't have any black friends,
so you don't have any black friends, so you know
(29:16):
you want to talk about that. And these are the
conversation that we must have if we believe that we're
going to go on.
Speaker 4 (29:21):
You know, this conversation sitting.
Speaker 1 (29:23):
I hate to see these conversations where we all come
together and then we count out one, two, three, four,
and we go to the room and number four and
then we write all the charts and we put all
the stuff on the chart and we come back and said, okay,
who's your spoke person?
Speaker 4 (29:36):
You speak? That does not work.
Speaker 1 (29:39):
Conversations like we have, True conversations is what we have.
How do I get on every national sheriff board in
my first two terms? Why because I show them that
I was qualified. They saw that I was qualified.
Speaker 4 (29:57):
And they gave me a chance. And that is what
we need to do.
Speaker 1 (30:01):
But if you don't see we are doing all that
we can before you criticize, why don't you come and.
Speaker 4 (30:08):
Help assist us to make sure that we are doing
what you're doing as your leaders?
Speaker 2 (30:14):
Well, like I said, I just want to I thought
this was a topic that I could ask you about.
I'm glad that I we can talk about it. Oh,
I'm glad I did it. Some fascinating conversations there.
Speaker 3 (30:31):
Well, the back to breaking with Brett.
Speaker 2 (30:32):
Jenson for a few more minutes here with Meclimurre County
Sheriff Gary McFadden, where he announced, oh about twelve twenty
five minutes ago that he is going to be running
for re election in Meclimore County, seeking a third term
as sheriff. Now we'll look, we've only got like three
minutes or so to go. Is there anything you want
to talk about that I didn't ask you about?
Speaker 1 (30:53):
No, I think that these are great topics and we
need to come back and we still need to have
these conversations. But what I would love to do is
come to your home, your office, your yacht club, you know,
your community, and just have these conversations, because stop listening
to the Rederick and stop listening to everything else, and
(31:14):
get it straight from the horse's mouth and the facts,
because we're going to deal with facts, and that's how
we're going to operate. We're always dealting facts and we're
not running from anything. Do we have a long way
to go?
Speaker 4 (31:24):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (31:24):
But I'm confident in what we have accomplished, and if
anybody want to know that, come and talk to me
and I'll tell you what we accomplished. We are one
of the most accomplishes shriff's office in the country and
we stand by that.
Speaker 4 (31:37):
Why because we talk to a lot of schriffs.
Speaker 1 (31:39):
And I'm on all of the national boards, and we
have a great conversation. But I think that listening to critics,
listening to the spin, listen to the word salad, it's
not going to do it. Let's have the conversation and
we can have them with anybody, because I'm the sure
for everybody. The process is political, but I'm not. And
so if you want to talk about anything, let's have
(32:03):
a conversation and don't use the word they say, and
we can talk about who they are.
Speaker 4 (32:09):
Because if I say.
Speaker 1 (32:10):
They said I'm a terrific sheriff, they said that I'm
an absolutely wonderful sheriff. They said that they want me back,
so they my day say we're good and we just
want people to invite us to come out and have
a conversation and I'll bring my cup of coffee. That
says reelect Sheriff Gary mc fadden, twenty twenty six. Because
why factual, fearless and faithful, and we do have a
(32:35):
lot more work to do, and I'm not going anywhere.
Speaker 3 (32:39):
We've got about a minute or ninety seconds. So what
are some of the biggest things that are that are
you know?
Speaker 2 (32:44):
And you'll be asked us a lot over the way, Well,
they hear running for reelections, so like leading into the
next term, what are some of the biggest challenges officer?
Speaker 1 (32:51):
Wellness is number one, mental health is number two. If
we can tackle those two things. Because of House built
three or seven, I'm sure we'll come on in d
somewhere about three oh seven. My officer's mental health is
my priority because I've seen things, heard things, and still
seeing things mental health. So because of the light rail stabbing,
(33:12):
now everybody wants to talk about mental health. Well, now
our jail population has went up one hundred and eighteen.
People that are not leaving the detention center because the
magistrates are in fear for their life. That is not
an assumption. I know that personally in fear for their
lives and people are going to be held inside my
(33:32):
detention center. So mental health is going to be a
big issue, and you know, if they still want to
open Jail North, a blank check is not going to
do it. And we are willing to open Jail North,
but you're going to have to talk to the county
and talk to the state because I still got the keys.
Speaker 2 (33:50):
Well, again, thanks for coming on the show tonight. We've
zipped through that entire hour. We've talked a lot about
a lot of different topics tonight, including the fact that
you're running for reelection. That was said exclusively right here
on Breaking with Brett Jensen. And I always appreciate you
coming in here like this. I always do because there's
always a million things that I want to ask you,
So I appreciate you doing this.
Speaker 4 (34:09):
We can come back and talk about the media.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
There you go, all right, that's gonna do it for
us tonight. Coming up tomorrow night, I will be doing
a post mortem, an autopsy on the election from last night.
But coming up next to TJ. Richie, my name is
Brett Jensen, and you have been listening to Breaking with
Brett Jensen.
Hi oh, let's go oh, Let's go oh, Let's go oh.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Come News Talking eleven ten and ninety nine three WBT
Brett Jensen here with you on this special edition of
a Wednesday Night of Breaking with Brett Jensen. As we
go up until seven o'clock tonight, seven four or five,
seven eleven ten telephone numbers always, and that is also
the WBT text line driven by of course Liberty Buick
GMC and Lonnie and Isaac are up here, so they'll
(00:52):
be manning the text line. So if you send in
a reasonable text or a worthwhile text, Lonnie and or
Isaac will be reading it to me. So, but the
reason tonight is special. Tomorrow I will tell you this.
Tomorrow I will do an autopsy on last night's election results. Okay,
so tomorrow night I'll break everything down. Huntersville, Matthews, Charlotte,
(01:13):
the tax referendum, the mayor's race, the school board race, everything.
I'll be breaking all this down and really what it
means going forward for Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, everything.
So tomorrow we'll be doing a post mortem or an
autopsy on everything. The reason I'm not doing it tonight.
Is if you follow me on Twitter like you should
at Brent Underscore Jensen, then you would know the special
(01:35):
guest in studio with me for the entire hour tonight
is Mecklinburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden. And so, first of all,
I really do appreciate you coming in tonight. It's I'm
still trying to get used the fact that it's dark
at six o'clock, but thank you for coming in tonight.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
I appreciate that.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
We lease well, thank you. We glad to be here
as always.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
So we're gonna get into a lot of things tonight.
We've got a lot of things we're gonna get into.
The jail North, the juvenile Detention center we talked on
and I got a lot of feedback about our conversation
about Ice and you know, the cooperation that you and
Ice now have with the Meclamore County Courthouse and everything else.
So I got a lot of positive feedback about that
conversation we had on Monday. So we're not really going
(02:13):
to get too much into that, because if you want
to go back and know what we're talking about, go
back to Monday show and you can listen to the
interview that I had with the Sheriff McFadden at four
o'clock on Monday, to be exact.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
So, but I want to.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Start off with there seems to be some there were
some breaking news that happened a little bit earlier, so
I want to start off with that. About another death
at the juveni or excuse me, at the Melamore County
Detention center of the jail.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
What can you tell us about that?
Speaker 4 (02:43):
Well, we had to death recently.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
We cannot get into any details about it because it
is a parallel investigation with the SBI and other entities,
and so we really can't talk about it. But you know,
it is sad that someone did die at the detention center.
But you know when people get upset about people dying
at the detention center, what we can always say that
(03:07):
we're doing the best that we can. We're doing a
great job. But most of the deaths there are because
of poor health and poverty and all the other things.
And so why is it always a big issue because
it is the jail or detention center and I am
the sheriff, which is a part of the lightning rod.
But you know, people die in rest homes, clinical places,
(03:30):
and hospitals.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
Every day, and so we are no different.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
We're not immune to it, but it is a tragedy
for the families and also our staff because we have
to deal with it on a personal level.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
And so I just want to make sure I'm curious.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
So when there is a death, you know, whether it's
a drug overdose or they come in sick or whatever.
Like we talked about on Monday, is it is every
death automatically investigated by the SBI.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
Yes, there are yes. That began a couple of years ago.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
So the SBI comes in and do the investigation and
take it from there. And so they are the lead investigators.
And here's what we try to tell people, and we
want to have this conversation later we can. And you know,
I saw where the news clips say waiting for the autopsy. Well,
if you look at any autopsy or look at the
findings of the disc attorney's office or the SBI, it
(04:18):
will give you better information than sensationalize it as only
a death, you know, look at the cause and manner,
and then you will get more information than just saying
there's a death at Meccnburg County Detention Center.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
So you made news last week and a lot of
people took notice, and a lot of people it was
a very positive response about the situation that we talked
about Monday with your the newfound cooperation that ICE has
agreed and you guys have come to this mutual agreement
on things and some of the parameters and standards that
you've set forth and ICE has agreed to them. But
now let's talk a little bit about the juvenile detention
(04:53):
center in Jail North because I know that you reached out,
you sent a letter earlier to you know, a representative
up and Raley that deals with public safety and all that.
So can you talk about that?
Speaker 1 (05:04):
Well, everyone, let me, as they say, a level set.
That's a new word, So let me level set this.
Everyone believes that it is the Mecklenburg County sheriff responsibility
for the juvenile detention center to be reopened. We are
not statutorily mandated to run the detention center, which means
(05:25):
that it is up to the Department of Juvenile Justice
to find bed space for these juveniles. We just so
happened to agree with them. We just so happened wanted
to work with them. Back in twenty nineteen, and we
were happy to take on that responsibility. Now, let me
fast forward quickly. We are still happy to take on
(05:46):
that responsibility. But you have to bring more to the
table than you're bringing. And so why the Juvenile Detention
Center is closed. Well back when everyone was resigning from
their job, with the Great Resignation, the state decided to
begin to target us on expections. I called several people
in Raleigh who had no answer for me, and I said,
(06:09):
it is unusual in the inspections that we're getting at
this particular time. And so when they send these expections
to Raleigh about Jail Central, let me get this straight,
about Jail Central or Downtown, they always shift that to
the counter commissioners and the public officials, and then they
do a knee jerk reaction of sure, if you've got
(06:30):
to do something, you've got to do something. And so
this goes on for quite some time, and then it
got down to you must do something. So the only
way that we could increase the staffing at Jail Central
Detention Center Central is to close the Juvenile Detention Center.
And when we did that, that's when everything started. But
(06:51):
the State of North Carolina, the Apartment of Juvenile Justice
is responsible and is mandated to find beds throughout the
state for the juveniles. And this is a long conversation,
so as we know that there were many backdoor conversation,
back room conversation and discussions, we decided to ask them
(07:12):
which we're going to still find a date to have
a public hearing, and we put everything out on the
table so we won't look like the bad guys.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
And we're speaking with the Bechalburk County Sheriff Garry McFadden
exclusively here on breaking with Brad Jensen. The letter that
he sent was to Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, who's the
Department of Public Safety in the Division of Juvenile Justice,
which is what he's talking about. And the letter was
sent actually on Halloween Day, so just last week last Friday,
as a matter of fact. You know, the argument from
(07:41):
the state, and we've got like two minutes here, but
the argument from the state is we want to rent
it from you. We will take it over, we will
rent the space, will rent everything from you, pay you rent,
and let us hire the people to run the juvenile
detention center. Let us hire people. Let us try to
do that from a statewide seat. And that's the argument
(08:01):
that you will hear from people from the state.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Well, they can't. And here's why. I mean they can't
fulfill the beds. I mean they can't fulfill the employment.
Why because Cabaris County Detention Center has a thirty to
forty percent vacancy rate. So they can't even fill the
vacancy rate in their current buildings. So why should I
give them a building that we could We are definitely
still using and we're definitely occupying it. That you can't
(08:26):
feel that is an inaccurate statement.
Speaker 4 (08:29):
They can't. They can say they rented, but can they
feel the employment?
Speaker 3 (08:34):
No?
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Can they fill it with detentions offices? No?
Speaker 1 (08:36):
If you could, why do you have thirty to forty
percent vacancy rate at a current facility? So what I
said about that, close that facility and allow me to
hire everyone from that facility. We won't have to vet
them out. We don't have I mean, sure we have
to look at them, but we'll bring all of them over.
Speaker 4 (08:55):
So that will save millions.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
And I've heard a lot, I've never heard a good
thing about the situation up in Cabara's.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Case, there is no good situation about Cabaras County if
you want to be accurate about it.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Yeah, I've never heard a good thing about this.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
So we and I want to talk about this, and
this is why we will have public hearings forums to
talk about it, because we're going to lay everything out
on the table. Surely have some people who believe that
they can fix it. Sure they can throw around some numbers.
Sure somebody say, well, I'm going to open it, but
do you know what it takes to open it. We
know what it takes to open it, We know what
to how to run it. And we're going to talk
(09:28):
about that again tonight, all.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Right, when we return, Sheriff McFadden, he's going to tell
me and tell us whether or not he's going to
run for reelection in Melimurre County because three people I
believe three people have already announced, maybe four, but I
know of at least three people have already announced that
they're going to run for sheriff for Meclimurk County. And
we're going to talk to Sheriff McFadden about that when
(09:51):
we return, talk about Thank're breaking with Brad Jensen on
this Wednesday night, Mecklimburth County Sheriff Gary McFadden is in
studio with me for the full hour, and again this
we're going to be a lot of different topics later
on tonight or through this show tonight, like a lot.
(10:14):
And we've talked about jail north in a recent mcliberth
County Detention Center death or jail death. And now let's
talk about specifically the election. From December first until December nineteenth, nineteen.
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Days, nineteen days, you have the opportunity to file for
reelection anyone running for election in the year of twenty
twenty six, Yes, and the primary will be in March.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
I believe March third, if I'm not mistaken. So with
all that being said, there's been at least three candidates
announced their candidacy for Mecklimberth County Sheriff, potentially four, I
can't remember there's four or not, but at least three.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
And with that.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Being said, are you going to make it the fourth
person or maybe in the fifth person to be running
for that officer? Are you going to be running for reelection?
Because you've been very very quiet, and a lot of
people have been wondering is sheriff McFadden running for reelection
or not. Like a lot of people have been anxiously
waiting this, they.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
Have been actually waiting. What if I give you a card?
Speaker 3 (11:14):
All right, what's this card here?
Speaker 4 (11:17):
What that card?
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Says a man of his word. The answer is yes.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
So if we have a couple of coffee on this.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Well there it is. Look at that. I didn't see
that the mug.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
So we have a mug here, and I'm gonna have
coffee on Yes, And this is my official announcement. Nobody
knew I waited to the day. This is a good
place to announce it. Announce it. Yes, I'm going to
run for reelection. And that's all we're going to tell you.
If you want to know, come and see us, Come
and have these conversations. Well, if it's not a fourth,
(11:47):
it's a fourth now, and I welcome anybody with the conversations.
We're not going to run, We're not going to hide.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
We haven't.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
And so somebody says why because I am not done.
I'm not done yet, and because me and the citizens
of Meconburry County are not done. Uh, And so, like
I said, the answer is yes.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
So we spoke a lot and then.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
Let me push this button so everybody I'll know that.
So I'm going to send out this nice email. Oh
there it is right now, and you.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
Should be able to get it.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
If we don't, you could wait, you could wait and
give me a little you can give you like a
thirty forty minute head.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (12:23):
Always let everybody know, because everybody wants to let.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
Them get it from here.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
From that, nobody passes out or anything.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
That they can, they can get it. They can get
it at the top of the hour. They can get
the good little selfishness there on my.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Oh that's right, that's right, all right.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
But let me ask you this.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
You and I spoke during the summer, we spoke during
the spring, We even spoke a couple of months ago,
and even then you were truly unsure because of you know,
some personal things going on at home and everything else.
Speaker 3 (12:51):
And so what was the ultimate deciding factor.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
That I'm not done.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
I'm not gonna let anybody tell me what to do,
how to do it, when to do it, or when
to leave.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
And that's what I mean. So don't twist that.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
It was never that I was not completely not saying
I'm not going to do it. I had to look
at my family. I had to look at my wife,
had to look at my kids, I had to look
at people who surround me. And of course we know
loyalty is my big issue. People are not loyal. I
should ask people before I hired them, are you loyal?
Loyalty is going to be a part of this campaign, Trustworthiness,
(13:29):
all of that, and so you have to say do
you want to go through that again?
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Knowing who you are?
Speaker 1 (13:34):
But take the criticism of people who've never even seen me,
just probably heard me or read something on the TV.
And the perfect example is this when I got tired
of everybody talking about Ice and hear in order of
the Red Drink, and I heard my fellow sheriffs in Texas, Florida, California, Nebraska,
everybody sitting at a convention, I mean sitting at a convention,
(13:58):
and they were complaining about what they were not doing.
I decided to come back and have a conversation with Ice.
That conversation now is the best conversation I've had and
continuously to have with Ice. So then when you put
everything to a side and just do what you need
to do, stay focused on what you're doing, you're successful.
(14:21):
So people can't say, well, he didn't do anything. You're
just listening to what people tell you. And here's what
I asked, is that your experience with me, you're just
reading it, you're just looking at it on the media
or the you know, as we call the word salad,
But have you personally come and talk to me and
had a conversation. That conversation with Ice at that time
(14:44):
made me understand that we cannot just listen to the Rederick,
We cannot listen to the goss gossip. We just have
to listen to each other, have a conversation, put everything
to a side, and let's go forward. When we did
that with Ice, it successful. To the day it is successful.
We got a call. I have heard from Ice probably
(15:05):
five times since that conversation. So that made me understand
critics are going to be critics. Critics and crickets about
the same thing. Both use for bait, both for fishing,
and so then what happens is we just have to
put all that to a side and say, let's do
the work of the people. The reason Ice came in
because they were tied to and what we're operating now
(15:28):
is what we believe that we're going to operate in.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
Now here's what we said.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
We're not doing an enforcement with them, We're just cooperation,
collaboration and communication. So then I have to look at
can we get through this over the next years without
all of the shenanigans and everything else. But after talking
to the men and women inside who are incarcerated, and
the mothers who called me daily, they say that we
(15:53):
need you. No matter what they said, my work is
not done.
Speaker 3 (15:57):
Everyone at home on board.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Everybody is on board, and they understand it is this
is going into my forty fifth year.
Speaker 4 (16:04):
But people don't.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
I think people don't understand what it is to involve
your family, what it is involve your friends.
Speaker 4 (16:11):
What does it involve your coworkers.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
When you talk against the detention center, you're not only
talking against Sheriff macfadden. You're talking against my staff who
work daling gently every day. And so they get tired
of going to the grocery store and hearing, well, how'd
your sheriff? How do you like working for them? They
don't want to hear that. You know, they don't want
to wear their uniform home. They want to work. I
have an amazing staff. We have a world class staff
(16:34):
agency from around the country come to view our detention center.
Mecklenburg County should be proud to have this detention center
seated inside Mecklenburg County and ran by me and my staff.
We are a triple crown. Probably more crowns come in later.
We are now serving thirty six other counties with mental health.
(16:57):
Nobody else is doing that. And so we have to
listen to the Redricks. And I talked to my staff
because when you beat me up or beat the detention setup,
you beat my staff up too, And so I have
to go to them. Are y'all willing to go through
this redrick again? And they said yes? And that was
the you know, put everything out. We're gonna drink our
(17:17):
coffee and we're gonna continue to fight because the answer
is yes, because we are not done.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
That's it.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Riff fatten here, I didn't even see the coffee.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Monkey's gonna coffee, says Sheriff McFadden twenty twenty six, and
or re elect in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 4 (17:34):
I'll get you one.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
And if anybody will have a cup of coffee and
have a true conversation and not just listen to what
other people say, let's do it because I have never
ran from a good conversation. Now you may not want
to hear what I say, because we are factual, fearless,
but most of all faithful to this community.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
When we return, I do want to get into some
I want to get into a different conversation with the
sheriff when we return. Welcome back to Breaking with Brett
Jensen on this Wednesday night, in case you just missed it,
Sheriff Gary mcfatten is in studio with me for the
full hour and we've talked about a lot of things,
(18:13):
but most recently about five minutes ago, he just announced
his intentions to run for reelection on Breaking with Brett Jensen,
and he will be running for reelection of Mecklamberg County Sheriff.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
He's seeking his.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Third term and that will start in the December when
you officially file, he announced today, and the candidates, whether
they're running for sheriff or county commissioner or senator, whatever,
from December first through December nineteenth, that's when candidates will
officially file and sign their name on the Board of
Election documents that they are officially running for office. And
(18:46):
so again that announcement just coming down just moments ago,
all right, So I want to completely change gears. You
talked about your early reelection and everything else. I remember
the one of the I remember the first day I
ever met you, Okay, and you and I after you
had this round table with media, just just a private,
(19:09):
off the record conversation with all the media. And afterwards,
you and I sat outside the detention center for probably
forty five minutes on the sidewalk, and we went over
a lot of things, and we talked about a lot
of different things. And so I feel comfortable asking you
(19:31):
this because I want to talk to you about this.
You know, last night's election, you know, a lot of
people were surprised, a lot of people, you know, most
people were surprised. Even the Democrats were surprised, and a
lot of the way things turned out. But I want
to ask you about the power within Mecklinburg County.
Speaker 3 (19:52):
And I feel like I can ask you this more
than anyone else.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
Sure, thirty percent of Mecklinburg County is black African American,
but it's superintendent, police, chief, fire chief, district attorney, mayor, mayor,
pro tem city manager, county manager, county attorney, city attorney,
(20:16):
the the well I know I'm missing something like, oh,
the chair of the County Commissioners, the chair of the
CMS school Board.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
I'm curious, why do you think.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
That the African Americans in Mecklinberg County and Charlotte have
been so successful? They they little when Dina Diorio retired
as county manager. African Americans have every single position. And
why do you think the African Americans have been like yourself,
have been so successful in gaining every single position in
(20:50):
Mecklimbore County.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
Well, I think it goes back to we have always
some of us, some of us have been already. Parre
was already prepare for these positions was but were never
given the opportunity. And so we had to go to
our communities and tell our communities we are ready and
(21:12):
we are ready to lead, and we are ready to
be different and we are ready to make change. Now
that comes hard, and you know we haven't discussed We
always say we never discussed anything that you ask. And
so here's here's what I'm going to say. Gary McFadden
is a perfect example. When I took office, it's hard
(21:32):
to be the first of anything, but when you are
first African American first black.
Speaker 4 (21:36):
To take it. Then you have two expectations.
Speaker 1 (21:40):
You have the Black community expect this for you to
do and then you have the other communities expect you
to do this, do something different, and so then you
have to balance yourself in.
Speaker 4 (21:50):
The middle of it and do good for the people.
Speaker 1 (21:54):
And I'm going to say that, and why because I
knew this challenge was going to be hard, and I
knew it's gonna be difficult, and I expect a lot
of it. I didn't expect the disloyalty of it. But
the success from our community says, give him a chance.
Let's see he if he can do it correctly, and
we will open the door for someone else. And I
(22:15):
think the doors are being open for a lot of
African Americans blacks if they take the opportunity and successfully
willingly to take the criticism.
Speaker 4 (22:29):
But also do a good job.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
No matter what anybody says about Sheriff macfadden and his
staff at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, we have done
an amazing job under my leadership, and we will continue
to do an amazing job. But we have to give
them a chance, and we cannot beat them so much
for every small thing but we were always ready, but
(22:54):
never provided the opportunity to show our cards. Just left
talking to another state. They have the same profit, but
on the opposite they have people ready to go who
are African Americans, blacks, but not given the chance. And
I think that when we are given the chance and
can open the doors for others, you will see that
(23:18):
we are qualified and ready.
Speaker 3 (23:20):
Do you you.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
Talked about doing the balance between the black community and
the white community.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
Do your biggest critics come from the black community or
do they come from the white community.
Speaker 4 (23:29):
Both?
Speaker 1 (23:29):
They're both, they're both, you know, and I hear it both.
I hear it equally, and you think about it, and
then you know it is tough being the first time
black leader, believe it or not. I was trying to
find something that me and another sheriff talked about just Sunday,
because what you just asked me is the cool conversation
(23:51):
that we had with each other Sunday, which is amazing,
and we say that when people came against me that
look like me, it was disheartening. I felt betrayed, but
now I clearly understand why because it's deeply rooted into
their history.
Speaker 4 (24:10):
Because people who were.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
Telling them what to do, how to do it, didn't
look like me, And then when a person looked like
them is telling them what to do and how to
do it.
Speaker 4 (24:20):
They may question a little bit.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
Me and my staff talk about it all the time,
think about the same things happening to other sheriffs in
America and some.
Speaker 4 (24:31):
Of the other sheriff privileged to me.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
But you never hear about it, only because I am
the lightning rod that takes all of the heat and
then very few times that I'm defended, and so then
it leaves the door to open. So when you're talking
about black leadership, the black community expects you to understand
(24:55):
what they need because you probably came from those same needs. Now,
the other side of the community may not understand it
because once you take office, you're supposed to be for both.
Speaker 4 (25:07):
Sides and equal and so that's a hard balance.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
But as you say, and I didn't look at it
that way until you just said it, there's that is
a powerful That is a powerful thing.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
Yeah, but it takes all of us to work together.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
Yeah, And it's thirty percent. I looked at up.
Speaker 2 (25:22):
Thirty percent of the demographic is you know, black African American,
and it's but yet they're always getting you know, they're
getting elected. You know, you look at the you know,
the city council has one white male at drinks, and
you look at the school board you know there's there
were zero white males. And you look at the county Commission,
(25:42):
zero white males. And so I think people just go,
how does this happen? And then you know, like in
terms of representation for the whole county, and then go
But again it's not like they're being appointed.
Speaker 3 (25:54):
They're they're getting they're winning all the elections.
Speaker 4 (25:56):
But do you think about it?
Speaker 1 (25:57):
Why why are we still talking about the first black
Why are we talking about the first black female.
Speaker 4 (26:04):
Chief of police? Why are we still talking about the
first black shriff.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
That's difficult because that burden is on us as black
leaders to produce and produce and produce.
Speaker 4 (26:18):
And then we are human.
Speaker 1 (26:19):
And that's what I think we don't really realize we
are human. We have problems to be in our family,
we have sickness in our family, we have.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
Issues in our family.
Speaker 1 (26:28):
But then what happens is and me and my good
friend Christy Puckett was talking because she had me to
talk about community in this community conversation. You hold us
to a higher expectation, but you do nothing to support
that expectation or make sure that.
Speaker 4 (26:49):
We are what you believe that we should be.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
You sit back and said, well, he's the sheriff, and instantly,
because I was the sheriff, then I have instant power
to be.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
What you expected.
Speaker 1 (27:01):
Well, we hold you to a higher standard. Well, spell
those higher standards out to me. We can say that
we hold you to a higher standards, or what is
that standard? The same thing when I tell people when
it's an officer use of force, and people said, well,
he said he's in fear for my life, what does
that mean?
Speaker 4 (27:20):
Can the officer articulate what he perceived?
Speaker 1 (27:24):
Yes, So when you said you hold me to a
higher standard, can I get a list of them? And
do you understand that I'm human and I may fail
and I may not be exactly what you expect. But
if I'm not exactly what you expect, why don't you
pour into me instead of criticizing me? And I'll say this,
this is why I believe now, And people so amazed
(27:46):
behind Ice and me working together. No, we just said
move away, critics, get away. You know, diviters politicians. Can
we talk and it worked amazing. One letter, one conversation
moved everything. But we are ready as blacks African Americans
to lead, but we need you to support us when
(28:09):
we lead and not pour so much on us that
you believe that we should do. Make sure that you
support us and make sure that we have the necessary
tools to lead. Just because we said that we are ready,
and you might see if we're not, come and talk
to us.
Speaker 4 (28:25):
We just have the same have a conversation.
Speaker 3 (28:27):
That's it.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Well, like I said, I knew you were one of
the people that I could ask about this because I
just I find it fascinating. You know that here's but
you know, every single position of power for a community
that's thirty percent but literally hold every single position of power.
And I and a lot of people are like, want
to know how that happened? Then I keep saying, well,
because they're running for office and they're being elected, and
(28:51):
I like every single person that's running for sheriff, I
think is African American.
Speaker 1 (28:54):
Well imagine this, this this is a joke. Imagine when
we saw everything white. Every position that we saw being
in leadership is white. You can when people criticize me
and they talk about me. If you look at their Facebook.
I said, okay, say you don't have any black friends,
so you don't have any black friends, so you know
(29:16):
you want to talk about that. And these are the
conversation that we must have if we believe that we're
going to go on.
Speaker 4 (29:21):
You know, this conversation sitting.
Speaker 1 (29:23):
I hate to see these conversations where we all come
together and then we count out one, two, three, four,
and we go to the room and number four and
then we write all the charts and we put all
the stuff on the chart and we come back and said, okay,
who's your spoke person?
Speaker 4 (29:36):
You speak? That does not work.
Speaker 1 (29:39):
Conversations like we have, True conversations is what we have.
How do I get on every national sheriff board in
my first two terms? Why because I show them that
I was qualified. They saw that I was qualified.
Speaker 4 (29:57):
And they gave me a chance. And that is what
we need to do.
Speaker 1 (30:01):
But if you don't see we are doing all that
we can before you criticize, why don't you come and.
Speaker 4 (30:08):
Help assist us to make sure that we are doing
what you're doing as your leaders?
Speaker 2 (30:14):
Well, like I said, I just want to I thought
this was a topic that I could ask you about.
I'm glad that I we can talk about it. Oh,
I'm glad I did it. Some fascinating conversations there.
Speaker 3 (30:31):
Well, the back to breaking with Brett.
Speaker 2 (30:32):
Jenson for a few more minutes here with Meclimurre County
Sheriff Gary McFadden, where he announced, oh about twelve twenty
five minutes ago that he is going to be running
for re election in Meclimore County, seeking a third term
as sheriff. Now we'll look, we've only got like three
minutes or so to go. Is there anything you want
to talk about that I didn't ask you about?
Speaker 1 (30:53):
No, I think that these are great topics and we
need to come back and we still need to have
these conversations. But what I would love to do is
come to your home, your office, your yacht club, you know,
your community, and just have these conversations, because stop listening
to the Rederick and stop listening to everything else, and
(31:14):
get it straight from the horse's mouth and the facts,
because we're going to deal with facts, and that's how
we're going to operate. We're always dealting facts and we're
not running from anything. Do we have a long way
to go?
Speaker 4 (31:24):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (31:24):
But I'm confident in what we have accomplished, and if
anybody want to know that, come and talk to me
and I'll tell you what we accomplished. We are one
of the most accomplishes shriff's office in the country and
we stand by that.
Speaker 4 (31:37):
Why because we talk to a lot of schriffs.
Speaker 1 (31:39):
And I'm on all of the national boards, and we
have a great conversation. But I think that listening to critics,
listening to the spin, listen to the word salad, it's
not going to do it. Let's have the conversation and
we can have them with anybody, because I'm the sure
for everybody. The process is political, but I'm not. And
so if you want to talk about anything, let's have
(32:03):
a conversation and don't use the word they say, and
we can talk about who they are.
Speaker 4 (32:09):
Because if I say.
Speaker 1 (32:10):
They said I'm a terrific sheriff, they said that I'm
an absolutely wonderful sheriff. They said that they want me back,
so they my day say we're good and we just
want people to invite us to come out and have
a conversation and I'll bring my cup of coffee. That
says reelect Sheriff Gary mc fadden, twenty twenty six. Because
why factual, fearless and faithful, and we do have a
(32:35):
lot more work to do, and I'm not going anywhere.
Speaker 3 (32:39):
We've got about a minute or ninety seconds. So what
are some of the biggest things that are that are
you know?
Speaker 2 (32:44):
And you'll be asked us a lot over the way, Well,
they hear running for reelections, so like leading into the
next term, what are some of the biggest challenges officer?
Speaker 1 (32:51):
Wellness is number one, mental health is number two. If
we can tackle those two things. Because of House built
three or seven, I'm sure we'll come on in d
somewhere about three oh seven. My officer's mental health is
my priority because I've seen things, heard things, and still
seeing things mental health. So because of the light rail stabbing,
(33:12):
now everybody wants to talk about mental health. Well, now
our jail population has went up one hundred and eighteen.
People that are not leaving the detention center because the
magistrates are in fear for their life. That is not
an assumption. I know that personally in fear for their
lives and people are going to be held inside my
(33:32):
detention center. So mental health is going to be a
big issue, and you know, if they still want to
open Jail North, a blank check is not going to
do it. And we are willing to open Jail North,
but you're going to have to talk to the county
and talk to the state because I still got the keys.
Speaker 2 (33:50):
Well, again, thanks for coming on the show tonight. We've
zipped through that entire hour. We've talked a lot about
a lot of different topics tonight, including the fact that
you're running for reelection. That was said exclusively right here
on Breaking with Brett Jensen. And I always appreciate you
coming in here like this. I always do because there's
always a million things that I want to ask you,
So I appreciate you doing this.
Speaker 4 (34:09):
We can come back and talk about the media.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
There you go, all right, that's gonna do it for
us tonight. Coming up tomorrow night, I will be doing
a post mortem, an autopsy on the election from last night.
But coming up next to TJ. Richie, my name is
Brett Jensen, and you have been listening to Breaking with
Brett Jensen.
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