THORNTON TOWNSHIP, Ill. (WLS) — For the Dolton and Thornton Township elected bodies, the new year started the way the last one ended, with finger-pointing and political infighting.

In Dolton, the year’s first village board meeting was met with protests and a call for change.

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“We are trusting you to take this garbage and make it into something that Dolton can be proud of,” one woman said.

“In the words of Dee Snyder and Twisted Sister, ‘We ain’t gonna take it anymore!'” one man said.

Mayor Tiffany Henyard was a no-show, citing “credible threats made against multiple elected officials” in a letter to residents.

Henyard gave no further details and said in the letter that the meeting was canceled, but the board, with a quorum, went ahead with it.

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“The board of trustees had not received any, any evidence of a credible threat nor have we heard anything about, have we been briefed on that,” said Dolton Trustee Jason House.

Henyard, who is also Thornton Township supervisor, also did not attend, hours earlier, an emergency meeting called by township Trustees Chris Gonzalez and Carmen Carlisle, who have boycotted several previous meetings to prevent a quorum.

They have blocked Henyard from filling a vacant trustee position, but their absences have also kept the township, says Henyard, from renewing its insurance, forcing a shutdown that has halted services.

“I know that what I’m doing and the stance that I’ve made is definitely for the long-term future for Thornton Township,” Carlisle said.

Carlisle and Gonzalez called Monday’s meeting to try to approve some insurance policies, but without Henyard and one other trustee, there was not a quorum, and so the shutdown continues.

“She’s a big coward for not showing up for the people,” one woman said.

“They’re making as if this is something that’s caused by the supervisor alone. It’s not, and so we’re not getting that from a responsible board,” said Thornton Township resident and employee William Moore.

Henyard is vying for reelection for both offices this year. She is currently suing to get on the April ballot in Thornton Township after a caucus vote left her off of it, and in Dolton, she faces a mayoral primary challenge next month.

Henyard issued a statement earlier Monday, saying, “Members of our Police department have informed me of credible threats made against multiple elected officials recently. In light of these developments, I have decided to cancel the meeting scheduled for January 6th. I will not put any residents, elected officials or visitors at risk of harm in our village. We will reschedule as soon as possible, ensuring that the threats are adequately addressed.”

House also issued a statement saying, “We are aware of a potential peaceful protest that may occur during tonight’s Village of Dolton Board meeting. Additionally, Mayor Henyard has stated she will not be attending. Please rest assured that the meeting is not canceled and will proceed as scheduled. At this time, the Board is not aware of any credible threats related to the protest. We fully respect the right to peaceful demonstration and encourage all expressions to remain constructive and orderly. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all attendees, and we are taking the necessary precautions to ensure a secure and productive environment. Thank you for your attention and cooperation as we work together to uphold the values of our community.”

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