Thornton Township board stands by decision to repeal personal promotion ordinance

In May, the Harris administration of Thornton Township rescinded a personal promotion ordinance intended for township officials. And after pushback and questions from residents, Supervisor Napoleon Harris is standing firm on the decision.

The ordinance prohibited elected and appointed officials from using their image on township merchandise and media — billboards, flyers, banners, and various digital outlets — to avoid potential electioneering. It was initially passed in August 2024 during former supervisor Tiffany Henyard’s notorious reign but was repealed in May under the new administration. 

Public commenter Janell Taylor expressed her concern for the repeal at last month’s meeting on June 17, citing its necessity during Henyard’s time in office. As Dolton mayor, Henyard was criticized for plastering self-promotional content on municipal platforms. 

“It was a point of contention with the previous administration,” Taylor said. “Everywhere we looked, we saw [Henyard] or her name.” 

That ultimately means that Thornton Township once again lacks any legislative teeth to prevent the misuse of promotional materials by public officials.

The ordinance is no longer relevant, Harris claimed in response to Taylor during his supervisor report. He said the former board thought there was misuse of self-promotional material when the ordinance was issued, and with Henyard gone, the new administration deems it unnecessary. 

“I have not put anything out without the consultation of this board regarding my image, and we’re not going out here doing self-promotion,” Harris said. “… They trust my judgement, and I trust their input as well.” 

But the issue is whether Thornton Township residents themselves trust the new administration. Already there have been calls for transparency and better communication. And while residents have sought a forensic audit, it does not appear that the Harris administration is committal. 

Harris kicked the can to the prior administration: while it approved a forensic audit, but did not issue a request–for–proposal, Harris said. He did not indicate whether his own administration would commit to a forensic audit.

Fake endorsement

Amir Shakur, who runs a Chicagoland culture website, alleged during public comment that Highway Commissioner Antwon Russell had created a fake endorsement for his mayoral campaign in Burnham. Just three days before the election, Russell’s political committee posted an endorsement on Facebook from the Southland Hispanic Coalition, an organization that appears to be nonexistent. 

“The problem with the Southland Hispanic Coalition is that it’s a fictitious organization,” Shakur said. “Not only is it a fictitious organization, but the endorsement was also [fictitious].” 

There is no Southland Hispanic Coalition registered as a business, non-profit, or political organization in Illinois under Juan Rodriguez, its apparent president, according to state records. Online, Burnham residents have been calling on Russell to address these claims.

“Because of the problems of the last administration, I think it would be wise for Mr. Russell to offer a public apology,” Shakur said. “The Latino community, on the local to a national level, is extremely challenged, and I think it is an affront to people who live in this community to post a fictitious endorsement from a fictitious organization.” 

Russell was present at the meeting but did not stop to answer questions after. As of publication, the endorsement still appears on Russell’s Facebook page.

Budget projections

The board unanimously passed the tentative budget proposal for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. By law, trustees must present the budget and allow 30 days for public review and feedback. The township will hold a budget hearing open to the public on July 22. 

The township’s general fund is projected to have increased by over $3 million in the previous year to $13,274,202. Harris said the increase is due to higher collection on the real estate and senior and youth services tax levies. 

Projected township expenses tally up to $13,865,475. There is an increase of over $2.9 million, driven by the full repayment of an outstanding $3.3 million loan. Harris boasted a total balance reduction of $591,272. 

“The general fund budget demonstrates Thornton Township’s continued commitment to financial stewardship, debt elimination and enhanced community investment,” Harris said. 

The township’s general assistance fund revenue is projected to decrease by $2.8 million from the previous fiscal year, landing at $9,390,757. According to Harris, this is due to a reduction in the general assistance tax levy. Harris affirmed the township’s commitment to its taxpayers, saying a tax refund plan is included in the budget for qualified residents.

The road and bridge fund is projected to increase by $559,000 to reach $1.5 million through an adjustment of the tax levy and anticipated funding from Cook County’s Community Development Block Grant, which is allocated to municipalities and nonprofits working to improve infrastructure. 

Harris mentioned a “modest increase” of $37,000 used for road repairs and garage facility clean-up.