MARKHAM, Ill. (CBS) — Just a few days ago, chaos broke out in south suburban Dolton as Mayor Tiffany Henyard attempted to wrap up a meeting while former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot discussed plans to investigate the mayor’s office. Heated confrontations almost escalated into physical altercations among attendees.
The issues surrounding Henyard’s office relate to her spending habits. Besides being the mayor of Dolton, she also holds the position of supervisor for Thornton Township.
The City of Markham is one of 17 municipalities within Thornton Township. Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa felt it was necessary to address the cloud of controversy hanging over Henyard, claiming she is trying to tarnish Markham’s reputation for her own gain.
Residents in the south suburbs recently experienced an increase in their property taxes, and Markham is no different.
“We didn’t do anything out of the norms with our levies,” Agpawa stated.
Markham’s property tax levy saw a 1.6% increase. However, he mentioned that last month, Henyard misled residents into thinking that Markham’s levy was excessive while acting as Thornton Township supervisor.
“They’ve been questioned about what’s going on at Thornton Township and what’s happening with their taxes. Is there something they need to be concerned about? Why was that brought up? Why was it brought up in that light or in that vein?” Agpawa said, “and I think it was so she can maybe justify why she wants to double down on her budget over there.”
City councils can raise tax levies under 5% without public notification. Yet Agpawa pointed out that Henyard created a division regarding Markham’s levy – making it seem like the city had something to hide.
“We were drawn into this,” Agpawa expressed. “We didn’t ask to be here.”
During a Markham City Council meeting on Wednesday night, Mayor Agpawa emphasized that Markham will not tolerate any nonsense and noted that given all that’s happening at both the township and Dolton Village Hall, Henyard’s credibility is questionable.
When asked if he doubted how money is being spent at Thornton Township under Henyard’s leadership, Agpawa replied, “I’m not confident – that’s for sure.”
He remarked that the situation in Dolton is shameful and it’s affecting all 17 communities within the township.
“Here’s the thing – everyone can’t be wrong. You can’t have all these people saying what they say,” Agbawa noted. “We’d like to see the township improve as well and we want encourage that.” Markham’s mayor urged other municipalities to join him in speaking against Supervisor Henyard too.
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“Here’s the thing – everyone can’t be wrong. You can’t have all these people saying what they say,” Agbawa noted. “We’d like to see the township improve as well and we want encourage that.” Markham’s mayor urged other municipalities to join him in speaking against Supervisor Henyard too.
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