Tiffany Henyard warns Thornton Township could shut down, blasts absent trustees

THORTON TWP., Ill. - Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard warned the township could shut down on Wednesday because it hasn't renewed its insurance.

Henyard made the warning Tuesday night at what was supposed to be a scheduled board meeting, although there was not a quorum necessary to take action. She said the township’s lawyer warned that a shutdown could happen because of the board’s failure to renew the insurance.

She criticized board members for not showing up to meetings, which prevents the board from taking actions such as paying the township’s bills.

"Over 60 days, the Board of Trustees have not shown up to take care of any business guys," Henyard said, according to a recording of the meeting posted on YouTube.

Since Aug. 28, at least four Thornton Township board meetings did not happen because of a lack of a quorum, according to the township’s website.

She added that residents who seek township services like assistance with food and utility expenses may not be able to access them.

"Y’all should reach out to your trustees because they are not doing their jobs," Henyard said. "They are neglecting their duty as an elected official, which is to show up to board meetings."

Henyard added that the shutdown could lead to potential layoffs or more than 100 township employees.

Political turmoil

She is suing township Democrats over a caucus vote earlier this month after she was left off the ballot for next year’s election for supervisor.

Henyard claimed that the caucus process was unfair and accuses State Sen. Napoleon Harris, the caucus leader, of voter suppression. 

She claimed that during the Dec. 3 nomination meeting, Harris and other caucus organizers locked her supporters out of the venue, forcing them to stand outside in freezing temperatures.