Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard Faces Criticism for Extravagant Party Amid Spending Allegations

Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard Faces Criticism for Extravagant Party Amid Spending Allegations

Tiffany Henyard, the self-proclaimed "supermayor" of Dolton, Illinois, is facing increasing scrutiny after hosting an $85,000 event that many residents viewed as a waste of taxpayer money. The party, which took place last month, featured performances by R&B singer Keke Wyatt and rapper J. Holiday. However, reports suggest that despite the star power, attendance was sparse.

Henyard, who has been criticized for her lavish spending of public funds, continues to face mounting discontent from residents and local officials. In recent months, concerns have been raised over her use of taxpayer dollars for first-class travel, concerts, and other costly events.

A Costly Affair

The controversial event was held at the "Taste of Thornton Township" festival, and Wyatt was reportedly paid $30,000 for a 30-minute performance. J. Holiday also performed for a half-hour, for which he received $20,000. According to records obtained by WGN-TV through the Freedom of Information Act, the township also spent $6,600 on inflatable bounce houses. Additional expenses included fees for comedians, a sound system, staff, and equipment, all contributing to the total cost of $85,769.

Former Dolton trustee Valeria Stubbs, who attended the event, described it as a failure. "That was a flop," Stubbs told WGN-TV, sharing her disappointment in the turnout for such a high-cost event.

Public Outrage

The spending has left many Dolton residents angry. Jennifer Robertz, a resident of neighboring Lansing, expressed her frustration to the media. "I was flabbergasted," she said. "I was pissed off. That’s my money. That’s the people’s money."

Many feel that the money could have been used for more pressing needs within the community, rather than on an extravagant party with minimal attendance. The township's financial situation has only added fuel to the fire, with critics pointing to the declining state of Dolton’s finances as a direct result of Henyard’s actions.

Financial Struggles and Political Battles

Henyard, a Democrat, has faced ongoing tensions with residents and other local officials over allegations of corruption and irresponsible spending. The conflict escalated earlier this year when she continued with a village board meeting, despite it being postponed by the trustees. During the meeting, she claimed to have made significant improvements in the village, although the financial state of Dolton tells a different story.

According to a report from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who has been tasked with investigating Dolton’s finances, the village's general fund balance was $5.61 million in 2022. However, by May 2024, that balance had plummeted to a $3.65 million deficit.

Henyard’s actions, including vetoing the board's request to initiate a federal investigation into her alleged misuse of funds, have only deepened the division between her and the board of trustees. She also vetoed the board’s decision to hire Lori Lightfoot to lead a special investigation into the village’s finances.

Calls for Accountability

In response to Henyard’s refusal to cooperate, the board took action in May by appointing a mayor pro tempore to step in if Henyard fails to carry out her duties. This move highlights the growing frustration among local officials, who believe Henyard’s leadership has led to a worsening financial crisis in Dolton.

Residents and officials alike are calling for more accountability from Henyard, and many are hopeful that Lightfoot’s investigation will shed light on the financial mismanagement that has plagued the village.

The Road Ahead

As the situation unfolds, the future of Dolton’s leadership remains uncertain. With the township’s finances in dire straits and public trust in Henyard dwindling, residents are demanding change. Henyard’s extravagant spending, coupled with the village’s financial troubles, has left many questioning whether she is fit to continue in her role as mayor.

While Henyard maintains that she has made improvements in the village, the numbers tell a different story. The deficit continues to grow, and public discontent is reaching new heights. It remains to be seen how this political drama will play out, but one thing is clear: the residents of Dolton are watching closely, and they are not happy with what they see.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Henyard for comment, but as of yet, no response has been given.