Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot Releases Findings of Investigation into Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard
Investigation Complete, Recommendations Given
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivered her final summary of the investigation into possible mismanagement of the village of Dolton’s funds by Mayor Tiffany Henyard on Monday night. With the investigation complete, Lightfoot said she hopes the small village will right the ship – and get back to transparency and good government.
Residents Attend Meeting
Monday’s meeting at the Dolton Park District was packed with eager residents waiting to hear the results. “I’m happy that the report is out, so residents know the truth,” said Minister Deborah White, a Dolton resident. “Still shocked that this happened and that the government didn’t step in,” added another resident, Valerie Williams.
Investigation Methods
Lightfoot said she used witness testimony – emails and other documents – for her probe. With no subpoena power, she said she ran into some challenges, but still managed to get the job done. Henyard did not attend the meeting.
Key Findings
Here are some of Lightfoot’s key findings:
- Credit card expenditures never approved and no receipts
- More than $170,000 in travel-related costs from 2021 to June 2024
- $51,000 spent at area restaurants
- More than $218,000 for Amazon purchases made with village credit cards from Jan. 2021 through June 2024
- One of the largest purchases was almost $50,000 in supplies for the village’s skating rink
Litigation and Federal Investigation
As for litigation, 48 separate lawsuits were filed against the village – 12 for alleged Freedom of Information Act violations. Regarding two trips taken to Las Vegas, Lightfoot said no business opportunities came to the village as a result. She also said the mayor’s ex-assistant, who said she was assaulted by a trustee on the 2023 trip, didn’t cooperate with her investigation, nor did any other key witnesses. Lightfoot said she doubts anything will happen before next month’s election. She also touched on the new administration.
Recommendations and Next Steps
As for recommendations, Lightfoot said she gave some regarding finance and personnel to trustees – and they have started to implement them. Lightfoot expressed confidence that the new administration will continue to move forward with the recommendations.
Conclusion
The investigation into the alleged mismanagement of Dolton’s funds by Mayor Tiffany Henyard has been completed, and former Mayor Lori Lightfoot has released her findings. The report highlights several instances of irregular expenditures and lack of transparency, and Lightfoot has given recommendations for improvement. It remains to be seen how the new administration will move forward with these recommendations and whether any further action will be taken.
FAQs
* What was the purpose of the investigation?
The investigation was conducted to determine whether Mayor Tiffany Henyard had mismanaged the village of Dolton’s funds.
* What were the key findings of the investigation?
The key findings included credit card expenditures never approved and no receipts, over $170,000 in travel-related costs, and over $218,000 in Amazon purchases made with village credit cards.
* What were the recommendations given to the trustees?
Lightfoot gave recommendations regarding finance and personnel to the trustees, which they have started to implement.
* Will the federal investigation continue?
Lightfoot doubts that anything will happen before next month’s election, but she expressed confidence that the new administration will continue to move forward with the recommendations.
