Illinois mayor's $300K salary raises eyebrows

Tiffany Henyard, the first female mayor of the small Illinois village of Dolton, has stirred controversy with her substantial annual income and allegations of financial mismanagement.

Two Salaries

Illustration. Image by Depositphotos.com

Henyard, who took office in 2021, earns close to $300,000 from her roles as both mayor and township supervisor of this community of 20,000 residents.

White House Appearance

The White House in Washington DC with beautiful blue sky — Image by Depositphotos.com

Following scrutiny over her earnings, Henyard shared a video with President Joe Biden at a recent White House gathering, using the platform to promote perseverance and focus amidst criticism.

“Super Mayor”

Illustration. Image credit: Shutterstock

In a Thursday Instagram post featuring a video from last month’s White House US Conference of Mayors’ annual winter meeting, Henyard wrote, “Stay Positive Stay focused Stay the course. Super Mayor.”

Salary Controversy

Dishonest businessman telling lies, lying businessperson holding fingers crossed behind his back. Lie — Illustration. Image credit: Depositphotos

Critics have raised eyebrows at Henyard’s salary arrangement, particularly an ordinance that sets her township supervisor salary at $224,000, besides her mayoral salary of $46,000.

Discouraging Opponents

Illustration. Image credit: Depositphotos

If Henyard is re-elected in 2025, she will retain the salary. However, if anyone else takes the supervisor post, the pay falls 90 percent to $25,000, a measure critics say is designed to discourage anyone from running against her.

Convicted Rapist Hired

Warning, whisper, stop, secret — Illustration. Image credit: Depositphotos

The scandal is the most recent in a series of controversies surrounding the embattled mayor. She faced criticism for appointing her former campaign worker as the town’s code enforcement officer, despite his status as a convicted child rapist.

Recall Efforts

Henyard faced a recall attempt by village trustees for allegations including misuse of public funds, personnel policy violations, and disregarding transparency laws. The June 2022 recall vote garnered majority support from voters but was invalidated in court.

Leadership Defence

Henyard, at a Monday town meeting, defended her leadership and criticized her detractors, particularly highlighting the racial dynamics at play.

Attacking Black Women

The mayor said, “You all should be ashamed of yourselves because you all are black. You all are black! And you all sitting up here beating and attacking a black woman that’s in power.”

Annoyed by Defiant

Henyard seemed irritated by inquiries from a defiant faction of Dolton trustees engaged in a standoff with her regarding expenditure matters.

“I’m the Leader”

“You all forget I’m the leader. They want to hear from the mayor. You all ain’t learned that yet,” she stated. “The mayor, not the trustees that don’t do nothing. They only run their mouth. You all don’t do no work, no work!

Lavish Expenditures Questioned

Township credit card records show large spending by Henyard and other officials on luxury travel and accommodations, totaling over $67,000, which has led to further scrutiny amid recent budget cuts and a mass shooting in Dolton.

Police Budget Cuts

Dolton Police Chief Lewis Lacey expressed disappointment over the political dynamics at play, highlighting that political maneuvers have resulted in a million-dollar reduction from his budget.

Confused by Criticism

Henyard expressed confusion over the criticism, asserting that she is striving to improve the lives of all.

Calls for Financial Transparency

The village board and citizens have expressed concerns over Henyard’s handling of finances, urging for greater openness in the management of public funds.

“Be a Good Leader”

Dolton trustee Brittney Norwood, according to WGN News, said, “How about you be a good leader and bring [proposals] to the forefront so not just us, but residents and everyone else in America know how the money is being spent.”

Lavish Lifestyle

Image by jetcityimage2 via Depositphotos.com

Henyard is frequently seen in stylish and luxurious attire. She has shared images of herself exiting chauffeur-driven SUVs, with one Instagram post even featuring her accompanied by a dog adorned with jewelry.

First Women Mayor

Henyard, a Democrat, assumed office as mayor in May, marking the first time in Dolton’s 128-year history that a woman and the youngest individual held the position.

Memorable Entrance

Despite the failed recall attempt on a technicality, Henyard retained her position and made her entrance at the subsequent board meeting by blasting a disco song and dancing on the podium.

Mayor Forever

After the verdict, she shared a defiant photo on Instagram, declaring herself the “People’s Mayor” with the caption, “I am and forever will be Dolton’s Mayor.”