Judge's Ruling Halts Dolton Mayor’s Appointments, Village Faces Uncertainty

Cook County Judge blocks Mayor Henyard's leadership moves aqmid investigations into Village finances

Mayor Tiffany Henyard of DoltonPhoto byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

DOLTON, Ill. — The village of Dolton is left in a state of uncertainty following a court order that restricts Mayor Tiffany Henyard from unilaterally appointing village leaders. This legal action, initiated by a Cook County judge, has raised questions about who is currently in charge of running the village.

On Wednesday, Judge Thaddeus Wilson issued an injunction barring Henyard from appointing a new village manager, village attorney, and police chief without approval from the village board of trustees. The judge’s ruling also includes a temporary restraining order preventing any of Henyard's appointed officials from assuming office.

The court’s decision is a legal victory for Dolton trustees, who have opposed Henyard’s leadership moves. David Greising, president and CEO of the Better Government Association, expressed his concern over the village's governance, calling it a "slow-moving train wreck."

“I’ve been covering government in Northern Illinois for more than 40 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Greising stated, reflecting the unprecedented nature of the situation.

Amid the ongoing leadership vacuum, questions remain about who is steering the village’s operations. Henyard, who is under scrutiny for her handling of Dolton’s finances, has yet to make a public statement. Greising suggested that in the absence of a village manager, attorney, and police chief, the trustees may assume administrative control, provided they can secure a quorum.

In recent developments, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was appointed as a special investigator to review Dolton’s financial status. Lightfoot’s investigation revealed a deficit of $3.65 million in the village’s general fund after a partial examination. Concerns about Henyard’s financial management include accusations of taxpayer-funded self-promotion and excessive spending on dinners, trips, and a $40,000 Amazon purchase.

In addition to Lightfoot’s findings, the FBI has launched its own investigation into the village’s financial operations, though no details have been provided on specific individuals under investigation. Henyard has been advised to cooperate with federal authorities should they request information.

Greising warned that the financial repercussions for Dolton residents will likely persist. “The aftermath of this mayor's conduct is going to be a bill the residents of Dolton have to deal with for many years to come,” he remarked.