A 33-page packet tied to former Tarrant County employee Gabriel Rivas IV’s termination appeal includes a transcript attributing the phrase “little gay guy” to Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons (D-Precinct 2) during an exchange that identifies state Rep. Venton Jones (D-District 100) as the person being discussed.

Termination Appeal

The packet also contains a transcript in which Simmons told Rivas he had to decide whether to run for her Commissioners Court seat or “lose this position.” Eight days later, after Rivas said he had decided to file, a second transcript states that Simmons presented him with termination and resignation paperwork.

Rivas served as community outreach coordinator in Simmons’ Precinct 2 office. During the November 17 conversation, Simmons questioned whether Rivas could continue working for her while running for the Precinct 2 seat.

Simmons told Rivas he had to decide “whether or not you’re gonna run for that seat or lose this position.” Simmons then said Jones was attempting to persuade someone named Marc to run for Tarrant County judge and that Jones wanted to run for Congress.

Response to Allegations

Simmons did not respond to The Dallas Express’ request for comment regarding the transcripts and documents before publication.

Rivas appeared on the March 3 Democratic primary ballot as Gabe Rivas and finished third in the Precinct 2 commissioner race with 8,600 votes, or 19.98%, according to official Tarrant County results. Simmons won the Democratic county judge primary with 105,487 votes, or 61.35%.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.