‘Super mayor’ Tiffany Henyard misses Dolton meetings as term nears quiet end
The final days of Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s term are coming to a close with less drama than the controversies that have plagued her time in office. Henyard, a Democrat who has been dubbed the “super mayor,” failed to attend her final village board meeting, marking her fourth consecutive absence. Her defeat in the February election by Jason House, who campaigned on transparency and reform, signaled a shift in leadership for the small Chicago suburb.
House, who will be inaugurated on May 5, has promised to conduct audits for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years to address concerns of financial mismanagement. Since Henyard took office, the village has struggled to file annual financial reports and audits with the state comptroller’s office. This lack of transparency has attracted national attention to Dolton for all the wrong reasons.
In April 2024, the FBI served subpoenas at Dolton Village Hall as part of an investigation into corruption allegations among officials. Henyard was not served, but the scandal surrounding her tenure has continued to grow. Residents have accused her of using village funds for personal expenses, including thousands of dollars for hair and makeup services and a lavish trip to Las Vegas.
A town meeting in June erupted into chaos when trustees voted to reinstate former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to investigate Henyard. Residents clashed over the decision, highlighting the deep divisions within the community. Henyard has been criticized as the “worst mayor in America” and faces allegations of financial mismanagement, lavish spending, and even a sexual assault claim during the Vegas trip.
As authorities pursue a criminal investigation tied to the ousted mayor, Dolton is preparing for a new era of leadership under House. The administration is committed to accountability and transparency, aiming to address the issues that have plagued the village under Henyard’s leadership. Trustees like Andrew Holmes, a Henyard ally, who have been absent from meetings for months, will also face scrutiny to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities to the community.
Henyard’s defeat in the supervisor election for Thornton Township by Illinois state Senator Napoleon Harris further underscores the changing political landscape in the region. Her involvement in the chaotic brawl at a board meeting earlier this year only adds to the tumultuous legacy she leaves behind.
The transition of power in Dolton signifies a new chapter for the village, one that promises to bring accountability and reform to local government. As the community looks towards the future, the challenges of the past will serve as a reminder of the importance of ethical leadership and responsible governance.
