Amidst allegations of corruption and lavish spending, embattled Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard faces growing opposition from residents. The board of trustees has appointed a mayor pro tempore to handle village business if Henyard refuses to execute her duties.
Tiffany Henyard, the controversial mayor of Dolton, Illinois, has sparked further outrage among residents, prompting the appointment of a mayor pro tempore by the town's board of trustees.
At a chaotic meeting, residents voiced their anger and condemned Henyard's leadership, dubbing her the "worst mayor in America." The board's decision to appoint Trustee Jason House as mayor pro tempore aims to ensure that essential village business can be conducted in Henyard's absence or refusal to perform her duties.
Henyard has faced a barrage of accusations, including corruption and misuse of taxpayer funds. Residents have called for her resignation, booing her at the last Village Board meeting she attended. The board alleges that Henyard has ignored important village business and refused to allow certain matters to be placed on the agenda for regular meetings.
In response to the board's appointment, House emphasized that he is not a replacement for Henyard, but rather a temporary measure to ensure the smooth functioning of Dolton. "This is not a replacement. This ordinance is strictly in the refusal or inability for the mayor to do her duties, an appointed senior trustee to step in and make sure the necessary documents are signed and business moves forward," House stated.
Henyard is expected to veto the board's action, as she has previously vetoed their request for a federal investigation into her alleged misuse of funds. She has also vetoed their hiring of former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to lead a special investigation.
Henyard's alleged misdeeds have garnered national attention, including accusations of weaponizing police raids, spending taxpayer money on luxuries in Las Vegas, and an alleged sexual assault by one of her allies during the Vegas trip. Her cancer charity is also under scrutiny.
Last month, the FBI served two federal subpoenas as part of an investigation into Henyard's alleged misconduct. The subpoenas sought records of employees and companies associated with Henyard and her top aide, Keith Freeman, who was later charged with bankruptcy fraud.
Henyard has appealed to racial politics amid the scandals, accusing her critics of "attacking on a Black woman." However, residents have dismissed such rhetoric, demanding accountability for her alleged actions.
Henyard has a combined salary of nearly $300,000, more than the state's governor. Despite the town's median income of $24,000, she has been accused of living lavishly and employing excessive beauty vendors.
Henyard's antics have been compared to a "real life Parks and Rec situation." Her alleged misconduct has raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability of her administration.
The appointment of a mayor pro tempore is a significant step towards ensuring that the needs of Dolton residents are met, even in the face of Henyard's ongoing controversies. The board of trustees remains committed to holding Henyard accountable and ensuring that the town's business is conducted in a responsible and transparent manner.
