Embattled "Supermayor" Tiffany Henyard Defies Trustee Postponement, Continues Board Meeting

Amidst allegations of excessive spending and corruption, Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard defies trustee postponement, pushing forward with a board meeting to assert her authority over the village's finances and governance.

Tiffany Henyard, the self-proclaimed "supermayor" of Dolton, Illinois, has drawn the ire of residents and local officials for her extravagant spending and alleged mismanagement of taxpayer funds. Amidst mounting criticism, Henyard has taken an adversarial stance, dismissing concerns and brushing aside requests for transparency and accountability.

Embattled "Supermayor" Tiffany Henyard Defies Trustee Postponement, Continues Board Meeting

On Tuesday, Henyard proceeded with a scheduled board meeting despite a postponement request from trustees. The move has further escalated tensions between the mayor and her critics, who accuse her of disregarding proper procedure and undermining the authority of the board.

Henyard's excessive spending has come under intense scrutiny. In July, it was revealed that she had hosted an $85,000 party featuring R&B singer Keke Wyatt and rapper J. Holiday, despite low attendance. The lavish event drew widespread condemnation and raised questions about the mayor's priorities.

Embattled "Supermayor" Tiffany Henyard Defies Trustee Postponement, Continues Board Meeting

Allegations of corruption have also plagued Henyard's tenure. In May, the board appointed a mayor pro tempore to serve in her stead should she refuse to carry out her duties. A preliminary report from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's investigation into the town's finances found that Dolton's general fund balance had plummeted from a $5.61 million surplus in 2022 to a $3.65 million deficit in May 2024.

Henyard has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, attributing the financial woes to unforeseen circumstances. She has vetoed both the board's request for a federal investigation into the alleged misuse of funds and their hiring of Lightfoot to lead an independent probe.

Embattled "Supermayor" Tiffany Henyard Defies Trustee Postponement, Continues Board Meeting

At Tuesday's meeting, Henyard defended her administration's record, claiming that she had cleaned up the village despite the financial turmoil. However, residents and trustees remain skeptical, citing a string of questionable expenditures and concerns about the mayor's fiscal prudence.

The board has implemented layoffs and is drafting an alternative budget to address the village's financial crisis. Henyard's defiance in the face of overwhelming opposition has raised doubts about her ability to govern effectively and has deepened the rift between the mayor and her constituents.

Embattled "Supermayor" Tiffany Henyard Defies Trustee Postponement, Continues Board Meeting

As the controversy continues, the future of Dolton hangs in the balance. Henyard's insistence on unilateral control and her refusal to engage with critics have eroded trust and hindered the village's ability to move forward. Whether she can mend fences and regain the confidence of her community remains an open question.