Under-fire Mayor Tiffany Henyard of Dolton village and Thornton Township in Illinois found herself facing criticism again after hosting an $85,000 event featuring a rapper and R&B artist. The party, called the “Taste of Thornton Township,” included performances by Keke Wyatt and J. Holiday, as well as bouncy houses and other expenses. Despite Henyard’s efforts to portray herself as a productive leader, the event reportedly had low attendance and was deemed a “flop” by some residents.
The controversy surrounding Henyard’s leadership extends beyond the expensive event, as she has faced scrutiny for alleged misuses of taxpayer money. Subpoenas have been served in Dolton and Thornton Township as part of a federal probe, with concerns about increased spending and depleted municipal coffers. Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s report highlighted the sharp rise in village spending, including a single-day expenditure of $43,000 on Amazon. Henyard’s leadership style has led to divisions among the boards in Dolton and Thornton, with trustees in the latter township refusing to approve multiple upcoming events due to concerns about reckless spending.
Despite criticism from trustees about her spending habits, Henyard defended her actions and accused her colleagues of not contributing ideas. The refusal to approve events like the Gospel Fest, House Fest, and bingo was seen as a necessary step to prevent further unnecessary expenditures without an approved budget in place. Trustees in Thornton Township rejected other payments for items and services as well, signaling a growing frustration with Henyard’s leadership. The tension between Henyard and the trustees highlighted ongoing challenges within the township’s government.
Residents like Jennifer Robertz expressed anger over the high costs associated with the event, describing it as a waste of taxpayer money. The questionable use of funds for the party, along with the broader concerns about financial mismanagement, has fueled calls for greater accountability from Henyard and her administration. The ongoing federal probe and the mounting controversies surrounding Henyard’s tenure as mayor have cast a shadow over the township’s governance. As criticism mounts and scrutiny intensifies, Henyard will need to address the concerns raised by residents and trustees to regain the trust of the community and ensure responsible fiscal management in the future.
Despite the challenges and controversies facing her administration, Mayor Tiffany Henyard remains defiant and outspoken in her defense of her actions. The clash between her and the township trustees reflects deeper tensions within the local government and a lack of consensus on how best to address the financial issues plaguing the community. As Henyard faces growing pressure to justify her decisions and address the concerns raised by residents and officials, the future of Dolton village and Thornton Township remains uncertain. Only time will tell whether Henyard can navigate the ongoing challenges and restore confidence in her leadership.
