Democratic Chairman Tolbert calls accusations ‘libelous’

TYLER — The chairman of the Smith County Democratic Party is fighting back against efforts to have him step down from office. According to our news partner KETK, Michael Tolbert said accusations against him are “libelous,” calling the strategies by some in the party “mob rule tactics” to try and remove him. Earlier this week, members presented a resolution that called for Tolbert’s immediate resignation. The approved resolution cited 21 scenarios of actions and behaviors by the chairman that “are antithetical of Democratic Party values of honesty, inclusion, transparency, respect and unity to advance the party and its candidates.” Tolbert released a statement Thursday, that read in part, “Unfortunately, there are people who claim to subscribe to all sorts of political persuasions who are not content to see the divisiveness and destruction impact the Republican party exclusively.”

Earlier this week Dave Hansen, Smith County Democratic Party Precinct 19 chair, said at the monthly meeting of the organization, a resolution was formally submitted to Tolbert demanding his resignation as chair. The cover letter to the resolution cited 12 “instances of actions and behaviors that are antithetical of Democratic Party values of honesty, inclusion, transparency, respect and unity to advance the party and its candidates,” Hansen said, adding, “Mr. Tolbert’s tenure since 2017, the local party failed to advance the necessary financial, community and candidate support to result in improved election outcomes in Smith County.”

In a letter signed by 38 members of the State Democratic Executive Committee, there were concerns about the lack of transparency in the finances of the Smith County Democratic Party. The SDEC is the ruling body for the Texas Democratic Party. According to Nancy Nichols, one of the items addressed was a lack of transparency with finances.

Others complain about Tolberts sworn court testimony falsely representing CEC approval of a primary runoff following the win by Sgt. Willie Mims for Constable Precinct 1 in March 2020. Then after another vote was held, the third place finisher won.