Sen. Napoleon Harris named Democratic nominee for Thornton Township Supervisor, nixing Tiffany Henyard’s ballot prospects

Illinois Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-15th) is now the Democratic Party’s nominee for the Thornton Township Supervisor after a five-minute caucus earlier this month.

His nomination means embattled Supervisor Tiffany Henyard’s path to retain her seat has been cut off.

For the first time in 30 years, the party held a caucus instead of a primary, on Dec. 3. That decision was made by Harris himself, the Democratic committeeman of Thornton Township.

But complaints fly that the Democrats of Thornton Township delegates and organizers selectively let people — their political supporters — inside, ultimately preventing others from nominating anyone.

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Auditorium in Homewood was filled wall-to-wall, according to organizers. According to a public notice, doors were to open at 5:00 P.M. Voting was scheduled to begin at 7:00 P.M. 

But before doors opened, the Party was inside holding a holiday party, some allege, which they say, packed the auditorium before the caucus got started. The Party indeed held a private function with an estimated 200 residents — invitation only — from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.

The Dolton mayor’s camp sent two text messages earlier that day. Around 1:00 P.M.: “Join us today to defend your rights! They’re threatening your 100% Property Tax Refund to all Homeowners to fund their friends’ contracts. Voting starts in 6 hours-secure your voice!”

Shortly before 6:00P.M., another message with a political palm card with her intended slate: herself for Supervisor; Michael A. Smith for Clerk; DeBorah Reeves, Margaret A. Jones Shelton, and Maria Hilda Fernandez for trustees. 

Incumbent Darlene Gray Everett, a board ally, was also part of Henyard’s intended slate to retain her trustee seat, along with Andrew Holmes for Highway Commissioner. Holmes is a Dolton trustee, Henyard ally, and embattled himself with allegations he sexually assaulted a former Dolton staffer while at a trip in Las Vegas.

Henyard was outside in the cold with others, possibly more than one hundred people. She managed to enter the facility, and upon entering, she had choice words for Harris.

“Let the people in!” she yelled at Harris. Harris called to have her removed but that didn’t occur. Outside, anger and chants:

Joining Harris as Democratic nominees for the township’s board are Casey Nesbit, currently an Harvey School District 152 board member, for Clerk; Antwon Russell for Highway Commissioner; and George Baker, Mary Avant, Valeria Stubbs for trustees. 

Incumbent trustee Chris Gonzalez, who’s one of two trustees who have engaged in a boycott of township meetings, is also on that slate.

“I feel very good about tonight’s process. It was legal. It was simple. It was fast,” Thornton Township Assessor Cassandra Elston told the HWH. She was nominated to retain her position.

In a boilerplate statement released days later, Harris avoided engaging with criticism about the caucus’ proceedings.

As township supervisor, his administration would be focused on “delivering critical services, maintaining a balanced budget, practicing fiscal responsibility, and preserving the integrity and trustworthiness of Thornton Township,” he wrote.

“As a resident and servant of this township,” he promised to uphold his values and and standards associated with the township.

But Harris may not live in Thornton Township, rather in Bloom and Rich Townships, namely in Flossmoor. He owns a Beggar’s Pizza on 147th St. in Harvey, where a decade ago he claimed to live in a town house behind a strip mall. 

Harris’ district office is located in Homewood.

The Republican Party held its caucus that night, also. Its candidates include Richard Nolan for Supervisor; Tim DeYoung for Highway Commissioner; and Kesha Richardson, Jeffery Coleman, David Barnes, and Carl V. Dombrowski for trustees.