Illinois mayor accused of reckless travel first class to Las Vegas
A small-town Illinois mayor has been accused of using taxpayer money to fund her lavish lifestyle and promote her political career. She reportedly took a trip to Las Vegas, presumably paid for by her constituents.
Tiffany Henyard (D) is the mayor of Dalton, a city of about 22,000 people located in Cook County, about 15 miles south of Chicago. Henyard was elected in 2021 and has since courted controversy for his seemingly endless personal spending of taxpayer dollars.
Although the median annual income in Dalton is only $24,000, Henyard made about $270,000 last year for his work as mayor and Thornton Town Supervisor. The annual salary for the Mayor position is $46,000. Township supervisor positions can pay as much as $224,000 a year.
The embattled mayor quietly passed an ordinance last year that would slash the salaries of township leaders to just $25,000 if she is not reelected. However, if she wins, the salary level for the position will remain the same. Critics say the rule is intended to drive away potential challengers.
Henyard's critics say the mayor behaves like a celebrity, hiring private security and a chauffeured black SUV to drive her around town. She also used taxpayer dollars to promote her brand, and billboards across the city praised her leadership. She also used government funding to create a series of music videos in which she danced with city workers.
Henyard is said to have recently flown first class to Las Vegas.
Sin City Drive
Henyard traveled to Las Vegas on a first-class flight in 2023, costing taxpayers $3,741, according to local media reports. During her stay in southern Nevada, her expense report showed more than $8,400 in hotel room charges, $587 in restaurant bills at Ruth's Chris Steak House and nearly $400 at Hot N' Juicy Crawfish.
It is unclear why Henyard was in Las Vegas, where she lived and whether she was gambling. When WGN Chicago investigative reporters Ben Bradley and Andrew Schroedter asked about the trip, Henyard simply said, "Yeah."
When asked to address voters and explain the trip to Las Vegas, Henyard responded: "Any other questions?"
Henyard made nearly $300,000 last year, while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson made $221,052 this year. His responsibilities include running a city of about 2.7 million residents.
Smug Mayor
On Henyard's X account, where her tweets are protected, the mayor calls herself "the people's super mayor." She also often refers to herself as Dalton's "super mayor."
Let’s go for a ride together. I love you all but there's nothing you can do about it. ” reads her X biography. Henyard also praised herself and likened her leadership to Jesus Christ.
"I'm an icon. I'm a fighter. So if you attack me, be prepared to fight," Henyard said at the city council meeting. "Because at the end of the day, they're talking about Jesus Christ. So why don't I think you wouldn't treat me the same way? Someone is going to help you all and heal you all. I do the same thing."
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Source: www.casino.org
