Lori Lightfoot hired to investigate Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard
DOLTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Chicago's former mayor now has a front-row seat to the inter-workings of a much smaller municipal government.
Less than a year out of public office, the former federal prosecutor-turned-mayor will now be a paid investigator, digging into the details of Dolton's multimillion-dollar deficit and alleged misdeeds of Mayor Tiffany Henyard.
"I bring expertise in leading investigations of this kind and understand the complex challenges of governing. I will follow the facts where they lead, without bias, and reserve comments until the work is complete," Lightfoot said.
Lightfoot's to-do list is long, including finding millions in Dolton's unpaid bills and a lavish village-funded trip to Las Vegas for Henyard, a few trustees and village employees last year.
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"All allegations of misconduct, and all internal investigations, if any, along with any village state and federal law violations," said Dolton Trustee Jason House.
But her investigation could be stunted before it even begins. Henyard, who wasn't present at Monday night's meeting, has the power to veto Lightfoot's appointment.
"It's obvious that a veto will happen, but we have the majority, but the four of us have the majority," said Dolton Trustee Kenia Belcher. "We are bleeding right now, and bleeding leads to death, death of a community, and we have to stop it."
Frustrated and financially-strapped Dolton taxpayers have questions about this $400 per hour investigation with name recognition.
"We just want to know that once we get what we're looking for, what happens next?" one speaker asked.
"At the end of the day, haven't gotten results from simple FOIA, so how are you going to be different?" another speaker said.
"I'm a very determined person," Lightfoot responded. "It is my sincere hope that Mayor Henyard will voluntarily cooperate, but should they not, we are prepared to do what is necessary to get to the facts."
But whatever Lightfoot finds, the former prosecutor lacks authority to bring anything more than information.
Lightfoot issued a statement after speaking at the meeting, saying, "I am honored that the Village of Dolton Board of Trustees has placed their confidence in me to conduct a thorough and timely independent investigation into the matters outlined in the resolution regarding Mayor Tiffany Henyard and her administration. As someone who has made good governance the cornerstone of my career in public service, I recognize that maintaining the trust of those you serve and making decisions in their best interests is essential. The residents of Dolton deserve nothing less than a government that is fully accountable, responsive, transparent, and effective stewards of taxpayer dollars. As a lawyer, former federal prosecutor, and mayor, I bring expertise in leading investigations of this kind and understand the complex challenges of governing. I will follow the facts where they lead, without bias, and reserve comments until the work is complete. At the conclusion of this investigation, I will provide an assessment of the findings and recommendations. I welcome and urge the full cooperation of Mayor Henyard, her staff, Village Trustees, vendors, and others who have information relevant to this inquiry."
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