Western Reader
The Mayor of Dolton, Illinois, Tiffany Henyard, who has been heavily criticized as “America’s worst mayor,” is once again at the center of attention for hosting a lavish $85,000 party amid ongoing investigations into her spending habits. The event named “A Taste of Thornton Township” on August 17 featured performances by R&B singer Keke Wyatt and rapper J. Holiday, each paid $25,000 for a 30-minute performance. The party, primarily funded by taxpayers, included $6,600 for children’s inflatable attractions but drew only 60-70 attendees, raising questions about value and necessity.
This party expenditure adds to the allegations of financial irregularities during Henyard’s tenure. Following significant questionable expenses that led to her restriction from using village credit cards for non-board-approved purchases – including extravagant trips to Las Vegas and substantial spending at Amazon, Wayfair, and Best Buy – Dolton trustees enlisted former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to investigate the village’s finances. The investigation uncovered a $3.6 million deficit during Henyard’s leadership.
NEW: Dolton’s ‘Super Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard threw an $85,000 party despite plunging her town’s budget into debt and being cut off from state funds
Tiffany Henyard, 41, spent $85,000 of taxpayer money on an event, including $50,000 for 60 minutes of performances and over $35,000… pic.twitter.com/Zm1Bbg0tzF
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) September 10, 2024
The federal government is also investigating Henyard’s alleged financial misuse. Despite facing extensive criticism and calls for her resignation from local residents, Henyard has not shown any intention of stepping down. Defending her actions by claiming, “This is all for the babies,” during a live stream of the event, she disregarded taxpayers’ concerns, much to the dismay of many Dolton residents. “That’s the people’s money,” expressed Lansing resident Jennifer Robertz, echoing the sentiments of numerous locals.
The financial probe into Henyard’s actions is part of a broader examination into her handling of public funds. Since assuming office in 2021, she has faced accusations of excessive and unauthorized use of village funds. The village, which had a $5.6 million surplus before her election, now grapples with a significant deficit under her administration.
Wonder if @KeKeWyattSings and J. Holiday know they were paid with tax-payer money and the implications. If they have integrity, they should return the money and denounce Tiffany Henyard for misuse of tax-payer funds. https://t.co/620VBEJJEM
— RealJamesGrove (@RealJamesGrove) September 11, 2024
Henyard’s controversial expenses include $40,000 on Amazon purchases and an additional $10,000 at Wayfair and Best Buy, all charged to the village’s credit card. These transactions, coupled with her frequent travels, have triggered investigations at both local and federal levels. The audit conducted by Lightfoot, initiated by Dolton trustees, is part of an effort to regain control over the town’s finances, which have deteriorated under Henyard’s leadership.
While Henyard has not faced any criminal charges thus far, the ongoing investigations have raised serious governance concerns in Dolton. Even one of Henyard’s allies, Dolton’s Deputy Police Chief Lewis Lacey, has come under a separate federal investigation facing nine charges, including bankruptcy fraud.
Many Dolton residents are now questioning if Henyard will eventually face charges of her own. Nevertheless, she continues to remain steadfast in her role as mayor despite the growing criticism.
This recent instance, coupled with her track record of financial mismanagement, has further solidified her reputation as “America’s worst mayor” among many Dolton residents and beyond.
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