Dolton Mayor, Trustees Spar Over Village Meeting Location
Legal Battle Erupts Over Meeting Venue
The political power struggle continues in Dolton after Mayor Tiffany Henyard appeared in court seeking to force the village board to hold meetings at Village Hall.
Roots of the Dispute
The dispute stems from two dueling meetings in two different locations on Oct. 7. Henyard filed a lawsuit following those meetings against several trustees on the village board and on the village’s park district, saying meetings should still be held at Village Hall.
Trustees’ Perspective
Trustees pushed back, citing a binding opinion from the Attorney General’s Public Access Bureau that directed the village to take measures to make meetings convenient and open to the public, including a demand that meetings be held at a location with enough space to be reasonably accessible.
Judge’s Ruling
Henyard’s suit demanded that village hall be the primary place for conducting village business, but a Cook County Chancery judge ruled against her on Monday.
Implications of the Ruling
“The meetings have to be held somewhere other than the village – just like the Attorney General said,” said Attorney Burt Odelson, who represents a majority of trustees.
Resident Concerns
Residents had previously complained about barricades, street closures, and inadequate space at board meetings.
Next Steps
The next village board meeting could be held at the park district, if the park district board agrees.
Conclusion
The ongoing dispute in Dolton highlights the importance of ensuring that public meetings are accessible and convenient for all members of the community. While the judge’s ruling may be a setback for the mayor, it is clear that the village board is committed to finding a solution that meets the needs of all residents.
FAQs
* When is the next village board meeting scheduled?
The next meeting is expected to be held at the park district, pending approval from the park district board.
* What is the background of the dispute?
The dispute stems from the mayor’s lawsuit filed against the village board and park district, seeking to force meetings to be held at Village Hall.
* What was the judge’s ruling?
The judge ruled in favor of the village board, allowing meetings to be held at a location other than Village Hall.
* How do residents feel about the situation?
Residents have expressed concerns about barricades, street closures, and inadequate space at board meetings, and have been advocating for change.
