Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Paul Smith.WASHINGTON – In a reversal weeks before his term expires, Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Paul Smith said he won’t attempt to quash dissent, censor his board or restructure it to remove his critics.
“I was trying to change things for the better of the party,” Smith said, “but I think the new officers should make those decisions.”
The Chattanooga Times Free Press obtained audio of a Feb. 21 board meeting in which Smith endorsed kicking out board members who leak details to the media, criticize party operations or publicly question his leadership — all common actions over the last few months.
“They can say it,” Smith told the board at that meeting. “They just won’t be on the board anymore.”
Despite objections, Smith said the proposal would be decided at a March 21 party meeting. But the chairman emailed board members late Tuesday night to cancel the meeting and confirm he won’t pursue any bylaw changes before the end of his term.