Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been enlisted by the Illinois Village of Dolton to investigate allegations against its current leader, self-proclaimed “super Mayor” Tiffany Henyard.
Henyard faces accusations of misusing taxpayer funds and engaging in various corrupt practices, prompting the village to take proactive measures to address the concerns raised by residents and officials alike.
The decision to engage Lightfoot follows a proposal by four Dolton Board of Trustees members seeking additional legislative counsel to delve into the allegations surrounding Henyard.
Lightfoot, who faced defeat in her reelection bid last year, stated that she felt “honored” to be entrusted with the investigation of Henyard. She pledged to uphold the trust of Dolton’s residents and ensure transparency and effective stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
The resolution passed by the village authorizes Lightfoot to serve as a “special investigator,” with compensation set at $400 per hour, Fox News reports.
Her mandate encompasses a comprehensive examination of allegations ranging from spending irregularities to potential state and federal violations linked to Henyard.
Lightfoot will compile her findings into a detailed report to be presented to the village, guiding the course of action in addressing the issues at hand once her inquiry concludes, The New York Post reports.
Central to the investigation is a controversial tax-funded trip to Las Vegas in May 2023, which has sparked widespread concern over alleged non-disclosure of crucial information upon Henyard’s return.
The board is determined to uncover the truth behind the trip, scrutinizing all associated expenditures, allegations of misconduct, and internal investigations.
The resolution underscores concerns regarding potential cover-ups of serious sexual assault allegations and financial improprieties within Henyard’s administration.
Henyard had notably exercised her veto power to reject a resolution that had garnered unanimous support from the village board one month prior. The resolution aimed to initiate an investigation and required Henyard to provide the village’s financial records for scrutiny.
Residents and board members have voiced their apprehensions regarding the administration’s lack of transparency and accountability, citing various issues ranging from the alleged misuse of federal COVID-19 relief funds to questionable hiring practices and opaque financial transactions.
Henyard’s reluctance to comply with requests for financial documentation has only served to exacerbate suspicions and intensify calls for a comprehensive investigation.
Henyard remains steadfast in her position, refusing to step down despite calls for her resignation despite mounting pressure, including reported FBI scrutiny into allegations of misuse of taxpayer funds.
The decision to enlist Lightfoot for the investigation, however, raises questions and concerns about the board’s concerted effort to uphold integrity and rebuild public trust in local governance.
“It’s all good; the city is already $7 million in debt, so what’s a little more?” wrote one user named Larry on X.
“Seems sensible to me. Bet she will be found innocent. She even put her name on the building and most all advertising,” he added. “Does anyone think she cares about the city, or is it the money and power?”
“You really can’t make this up, $400 an hour for @LoriLightfoot?” lamented another user, followed by a series of laughing emojis.
“Season 2 is going to be wild,” said another.
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