Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 14, 2024 10:23 pm GMT
In a dramatic twist, the controversial Mayor of Dolton, Tiffany Henyard, has stirred up chaos not only in her own town but also during a meeting of the Thornton Township trustees. On Tuesday night, what was intended to be a discussion about the township’s budget quickly descended into accusations, shouts, and even police intervention, sparking outrage among citizens and angering officials.
Meeting Spirals Out of Control
During the meeting, which focused on the township’s urgent need for a fiscal budget, Henyard faced mounting pressure to explain her excessive spending habits. Trustees accused her of lacking transparency, recalling a past investigation led by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot regarding Henyard’s spending in Dolton. Trustee Carmen Carlisle expressed her desire for another inquiry: “I would welcome her to come and do the same thing here at Thornton Township.”
Despite the pleas from trustees, Henyard pushed back, claiming that the township was in financial trouble even before her term began. “This is what I mean about my board,” she asserted. “It’s a lot of hate, jealousy, and envy towards their supervisor.”
Heated Exchanges and Police Involvement
Tensions escalated as Henyard and Carlisle exchanged heated accusations. Henyard stated, “I am going to make sure you all give me my respect and stop playing these games,” to which Carlisle responded, “Respect is earned. It is not demanded.” As anger boiled over, someone reportedly referred to Henyard as “an animal,” prompting police to be called multiple times to restore order.
Over the past year, there have been several police interventions at town hall meetings due to escalating tensions. In April alone, police had to shut down a meeting because of safety concerns.
Financial Mismanagement and Investigations
Henyard’s financial management is under scrutiny, especially after it was revealed that Dolton’s general fund balance plummeted from $5.61 million in 2022 to a deficit of $3.65 million by May 2024. Critics highlight her recent spending spree, which included around $85,000 for an event featuring R&B singer Keke Wyatt.
Citizens and trustees are now calling for broader investigations. Henyard faced accusations of using taxpayer money for personal expenses and extravagant events.
- Recent highlights include:
– A $85,000 party featuring high-profile entertainers.
– Calls for investigations into Thornton Township’s finances.
– An audited review of spending patterns in the past three years.
In a surprising turn, Henyard proposed a forensic audit of her former aide’s credit card usage and her critics’ spending during her tenure. “Let’s open the door so everyone knows what’s going on here in Thornton Township,” she said, putting herself and others under the microscope.
Accountability and Future Steps
The board eventually approved an audit of spending, despite Henyard initially seeking a more extensive investigation spanning ten years. Trustee Chris Gonzalez and others approved a limited audit for just the past three years, emphasizing their need for oversight.
In addition, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has received a federal subpoena for all records related to township grant funds for an anti-youth violence program, highlighting ongoing concerns about financial oversight.
According to state sources, Thornton Township has received around $7.1 million in grants, raising questions about how these funds have been managed.
Conclusion
The conflict between Tiffany Henyard and Thornton Township trustees highlights significant concerns about government accountability and transparency. While Henyard insists she is being unfairly targeted, trustees remain firm in their commitment to ensuring taxpayer dollars are properly spent. As investigations loom, the community is left to wonder how this tumultuous saga will unfold and what it means for the future of Dolton and Thornton Township. The ongoing situation encourages citizens to remain vigilant and demand accountability from their elected officials
