Controversy in Smith County Sheriff’s Race

TYLER — The battle lines are drawn between Smith County sheriff’s candidate Chris Green and some supporters of Green’s opponent, Larry Smith. The current controversy began when Green referred to Grassroots America – We the People as a “fringe political action committee.” Grassroots America’s executive director, JoAnn Fleming, and her group’s board support Smith in the July 31 runoff.

Fleming tells KETK, “We have professionals, pastors, we have blue collar people that are in our organization… Now name calling is usually a clear sign that you have lost your focus in a campaign and you’ve just decided you’re going to be a rock thrower.” She adds, “I would suggest that Chris Green owes Grassroots America – We the People, an apology.” Fleming has also accused Green of making false allegations against Smith. She recently said, “we have the evidence to back up everything we have on our website regarding Mr. Green’s allegations against sheriff’s candidate Larry Smith. The proof is Mr. Green’s own words, which are documented in writing and on video.”

Now Green is publicly requesting that Fleming release all Republican primary sheriff candidate interview videos produced by her organization to the general public in the videos’ original unedited format so members of the public can judge for themselves. According to a statement KETK received from Green, his request is in response to “Fleming’s ongoing political stunts and screened threats that she will make the content of the videos known.” Green adds, “Fleming has concocted a story about Chris Green unfairly attacking her candidate Larry Smith when in reality the attacks in the race for sheriff have been coming directly from Smith and Fleming.” Fleming says she has no problem releasing the videos, but she’ll have to check with her board.

In a statement released Wednesday, Smith says, in part, “I want this election to stay on the high road. My position is what I can do for the citizens of Smith County.” We’ll continue to follow and update this story.