Tiffany Henyard, the Democratic mayor of Dolton, Illinois, has been embroiled in scandal due to her alleged misuse of taxpayer funds, as well as facing eviction from her rented home. She has hinted at seeking to arrest political opponents who have raised concerns about her spending habits. In a rambling 90-minute video posted on Facebook, Henyard threatened to press charges and seek arrests for those involved in what she believes are attempts to tarnish her reputation. She did not specify the crimes her opponents may have committed but expressed frustration with the media and dissenting officials.
The controversy surrounding Henyard escalated after a cancelled meeting of the Thornton Township due to safety concerns, with trustees raising objections to the meeting venue. This cancellation marked the second time in a row, according to the Chicago Tribune. In response, Henyard accused the media of spreading “fake news” and criticized those who have not heard her side of the story. Despite promising evidence of her opponents’ misdeeds in the past, she has failed to deliver, as reported by WGNTV. Henyard believes that the attention on her is a distraction from other issues that her critics do not want the public to know about.
Henyard’s landlord has revealed that she and her boyfriend have not paid rent since August, totaling well over $300,000 in salaries from taxpayers. The couple’s landlord, Genetta Hull, raised the rent by $200 to $2,400 a month due to increased property taxes, which Henyard and her boyfriend refused to pay. The situation escalated with the changing of locks, and an eviction lawsuit was filed against them. Hull, who considered Henyard a friend and did campaign work for her, expressed disappointment in the mayor’s actions. Despite the financial and legal troubles, Henyard has announced her intention to run for a second term as mayor of Dolton.
Henyard’s first term as mayor has been described as plagued with controversy, with accusations of money mismanagement. Residents have nicknamed her “the worst mayor in America” due to the various scandals during her tenure. The reelection announcement comes amidst a lawsuit filed against several village trustees, the Dolton Park District, the village clerk, and the village administrator stemming from a controversial village board meeting that Henyard alleges violated procedures. A preliminary report from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s investigation into Dolton’s financial situation revealed a significant decline in the general fund balance during Henyard’s time in office.
Lightfoot’s investigation also disclosed that Henyard used the village credit card for personal purchases at various retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Walgreens. One notable transaction included a $33,000 expenditure on Amazon, raising further questions about Henyard’s spending habits. Despite the mounting controversies and legal challenges, Henyard remains defiant and has vowed to seek reelection, even as she faces criticism and calls for accountability from the public and political opponents. The ongoing scandals in Dolton highlight the challenges facing local government officials and the impact of alleged misconduct on residents and taxpayers.
