In a recent development in the ongoing political drama in the small town of Dolton, Chicago, the board members have appointed a mayor pro tempore.
This move comes as a response to the current Mayor, Tiffany Henyard's alleged refusal to perform her duties. According to Fox 32 Chicago, Trustee Jason House was elected as the temporary mayor in a special meeting held on Monday.
House, in his new role, is expected to handle village business and approve payments in the absence of Henyard. The latter, who has self-proclaimed herself as the "supermayor" of Dolton and also serves as the Thornton Township Supervisor, has been embroiled in corruption allegations. These accusations have brought national attention to Dolton, a town with a population of approximately 21,500. The residents have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with Henyard's leadership, even booing her at the most recent Village Board meeting.
The board members have accused Henyard of neglecting crucial village business, which prompted their decision to appoint a mayor pro tempore. They claim that she has missed 25 special meetings and has been obstructive in allowing certain business matters to be included in the agenda for the village's regular meetings, as reported by WGN.
House, in a statement to the media, said, "Were just really trying to make sure that if something critical comes up, that theres a signature on deck that can move it forward." He further clarified during Monday's trustee meeting that this is not a replacement. "This ordinance is strictly in the refusal or inability for the mayor to do her duties, an appointed senior trustee to step in and make sure the necessary documents are signed and business moves forward," he added.
However, it is anticipated that Henyard will veto this action. She has previously vetoed the board's request to initiate a federal investigation into her alleged misuse of funds. She also vetoed their decision to hire former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to lead a special investigation into her.
Henyard's critics have labeled her the "worst mayor in America" following allegations of misusing police raids, spending taxpayer money on luxuries in Las Vegas, and an alleged sexual assault by one of her allies. Her cancer charity is also under scrutiny.
Last month, the FBI served two federal subpoenas as part of an investigation. The first subpoena was for employment records, personnel files, and disciplinary reports for 25 Dolton employees, including three police officers and Keith Freeman, the village administrator and Henyard's top aide. The second subpoena was specifically for Freeman, seeking records of all companies associated with him and potential ties to the village.
Fox News Digital sought a comment from Henyards office but did not receive an immediate response.
Henyard, who has previously played the race card amid her scandals, once said, "Yall got false narratives out there, and yall should be ashamed of yall selves. Yall Black. Yall are Black! And yall sitting up here beating and attacking on a Black woman thats in power. Yall should be ashamed of yall selves."
Fox News Digital had earlier reported that Henyard, who claims "God chose me" and had a meeting with President Biden in January, has been living a lavish lifestyle with a combined salary of nearly $300,000. This is more than the state's governor earns, and it comes despite the town's residents having a median income of $24,000.
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