Barkley Responds to Putman’s Comments

TYLER — The war of words continues between the two candidates for Smith County district attorney. KETK reports that Alicia Barkley responded Thursday to comments Jacob Putman has made against her. Putman has claimed, among other things, that Barkley “has been attacking my character non-stop.” On Thursday, Barkley called Putman’s actions “irresponsible” and “an embarrassment” to the DA’s office. But she added, “Voting should not be about fingerpointing — it should be about the issues, and it should be about the leadership and experience of the candidates. I’m not going to engage — I’m not going to involve myself in that behavior.” Putman says Barkley’s latest words come as “no surprise,” and he points to positive remarks in his personnel file. The issue emerged when an internal audit showed Putman leading the DA’s office in improper reductions and dismissals over a five-year period.