SMITH COUNTY (KYTX) - Local opposition group "Stand Strong for Tyler says there are not enough valid signatures for an alcohol election in Smith County Precinct 2 in November.
Smith County Commissioners and Tyler City Council voted to put beer and wine sales on the ballot, but Stand Strong wants commissioners to check again.
"It's simple voter corruption, and I'm aggravated about that." says Stand Strong for Tyler Chairman Dr. Mike Daniels
Daniels says there were errors in the signature verification process for the petitions in Smith County Precinct 2. The county came up with 6,966 signatures. Daniels says after his own group counted up signatures, it only verified 6,502- 77 less than the number needed to get on the ballot.
He wants Commissioners Court to do something when it meets Tuesday.
"We're asking for the court to reevaluate the process and the tally number because it's impossible for them to come up with a tally that will certify the petition." says Daniels.
Daniels says elections workers counted the same signatures multiple times or signatures from people who no longer live in Precinct 2.
Court spokeswoman Adrienne Graham-Hampton says commissioners cannot talk about Stand Strong for Tyler's latest press release. She says the process regarding an alcohol election is complete and a discussion about it will not be on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting.
"The opposition- it's their job. There's millions of dollars at stake here. So, if they can create any doubt at all, that would scare anybody into thinking 'oh my gosh, maybe we acted too hastily,' or whatever. But, that's not the case here." says Buy Local First Chairman Bob Westbrook.
He says he stands behind government leaders.
"Our most trusted elected officials did their homework." he says.
"We will continue to beat this door down," says Daniels, "trying to get someone in our county to listen."
Smith County Commissioners meet Tuesday morning at 9:30 at the Smith County Courthouse Annex. The meeting is open to the public.
