Smoky Mountain News Sheriff Candidate Forum 1-7-26

Haywood County Sheriff Forum (Smoky Mountain News) · January 7, 2026

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Housekeeping and forum rules; introductions

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6:03 → 8:45(2m 42s)

Host Kyle Perotti opened the forum at the historic Haywood County Courthouse, explained format and timing rules, and introduced the three candidates: Republican incumbent Sheriff Bill Wilkie, Republican challenger Mark Meese and Democratic candidate Tyler Howell. Perotti gave early-voting and election-date details: early voting begins Feb. 12; primary election March 4; winner will face Howell in November.

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Smoky Mountain News hosted a Haywood County sheriff forum in Waynesville where incumbent Sheriff Bill Wilkie and challengers Mark Meese and Tyler Howell outlined their records and clashed over staffing, interagency cooperation, a contentious landfill shooting under investigation, drug enforcement strategy and jail treatment programs.

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Transcript

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