Dems oust Henyard at rare, thunderous caucus

By Carole Sharwarko
The Lansing Journal
Dec. 3, 2024
Reposted with permission.

Embattled Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard lost her bid for the Democratic nomination to keep her seat. Delegates gathered for the Democratic Caucus on Dec. 3 instead roared their approval for the slate put forth by Committeeman Napoleon Harris.

As Henyard shouted objections to the proceeding, an “aye” voice vote for the Democratic nominees reverberated through Homewood Auditorium. It was the first time a caucus, not a primary, was held in the township in about 20 years.

The Democratic ticket includes Illinois Senator Harris for Supervisor, Casey Nesbit for Clerk, incumbent Cassandra Elston for Assessor, Antwon Russell for Highway Commissioner, and four trustee candidates: Mary Avant, George Baker, Valeria Stubbs, and incumbent Chris Gonzalez.

“It’s a good night,” said Gonzalez. “It’s one step in making some good change at the township. It’s a big opportunity to redeem myself. I’ve been serving the people for a long time, and I’ve still got some work to do.”

Gonzalez originally nominated Henyard for the Supervisor’s position in 2022 to replace Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli, who died while in office. Gonzalez now opposes Henyard, boycotting the most recent township board meetings.

Henyard walked into the caucus about 10 minutes before the scheduled 7 p.m. start. As Harris gaveled the caucus to order and introduced the judges, Henyard walked to stand about 15 feet in front of the table where Harris and others were gathered. She shouted over him, indicating they should let in people who were waiting outside before continuing with the proceeding.

Harris told Henyard she had not been recognized, and was out of order. Henyard repeated her request to let people inside. Harris did not reply to this request. At one point he asked the sergeant-at-arms to take Henyard outside, but no one came forward to do so.

Over Henyard’s continuous shouting, a delegate stepped forward to nominate the slate of Democrats, each by name and position. Harris then repeated the names and positions, and called for a voice vote. An overwhelming number of delegates thunderously shouted “aye” and released a loud cheer.

Many in the crowd then began singing, “Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye,” as Henyard turned to leave, surrounded by media reporters.

“It brought tears to my eyes. I’m so happy,” said Nakita Cloud, public relations executive with Thornton Township Democrats.

Cloud said Henyard first arrived at the auditorium at 3:30 p.m., “stirring up trouble. She was spreading false information, talking about a bomb threat.”

In a text message sent to some township residents, Henyard encouraged them to arrive at the caucus at 5 p.m. The Democratic Committee was hosting what Cloud said was a private function from 5 to 6:30 p.m., where about 200 invited township residents ate from a buffet of Portillo’s mostaccioli, beef, and sausage.

At 6:30 p.m., the Committee began allowing other residents inside, where staffers confirmed their residency and provided them an affidavit to sign, according to caucus rules. Most of those waiting outside were unable to make it inside in time to vote.

Queen Randolph, of Dolton, said she was upset at how long she had to wait outside in cold weather before being let in.

“We should have been able to vote also,” said Randolph, wearing a #TeamTiff T-shirt. “All of us should have a voice. How are you going to have a party in here and not even let us in? They left us outside to deter us.”

Dolton resident Jimmie Smith also said he felt like he was kept from voting, and didn’t understand why the caucus wasn’t opened earlier.

“You say you’ll change things, then be fair,” Smith said. “Stand on policies and principles.”

Related

• Many left waiting in cold for Democratic caucus
• There are Republicans in Thornton Township; they held the other caucus Tuesday night