‘This is a victory for us’ : Senator Napoleon Harris sworn in as new Thornton Township supervisor

In a packed and emotional ceremony on Monday, Illinois Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-15th) was sworn in as supervisor of Thornton Township, marking a new chapter in the township’s leadership and the end of predecessor Tiffany Henyard’s controversial term.

Harris emphasized service, transparency, and unity as he addressed the crowd gathered at township hall in South Holland on May 19.

“It is not forgotten upon me that today, with what I was told, I’m the first African American elected [supervisor],” Harris said. He went on: “This is not just my victory, this is a victory for us…Make no mistake about it, we are one community.”

In his first official act as supervisor, Harris appointed a new legal team — the firm of Odelson, Murphy, Frazier & McGrath — to replace the township’s previous attorneys, Del Galdo Law Group. The board also approved his selections for township administrator and information technology director.

Harris is a Flossmoor resident, and does not meet the residency requirements for the township seat — or his senate district. But he survived a petition challenge, where he was represented by Odelson and Laduzinsky & Associates. In April, the prior board leadership selected the two firms to also represent the township in civil rights litigation.

The swearing-in ceremony also welcomed new and returning township officials: Casey Nesbit as township clerk, Cassandra Holbert Elston as assessor, Antwon Russell as highway commissioner, and trustees Bryon Stanley, Chris Gonzalez, Mary Carolyn Avant, and Valeria Stubbs.

Nesbit, who also won her re-election bid as a Harvey School District 152 board member and ran for township clerk unopposed, said she was grateful to the Thornton Township residents, the previous administration and her family. “We’ve always known what a gem Thornton Township was, but now the world knows, because we got hope,” Nesbit said. 

Elston, who also serves as the clerk of Calumet City, acknowledged her staff’s efforts through difficult times and invited staff members that were present on stage as she was getting sworn in. For weeks, Elston was abruptly locked out of her office at township hall.

“I’d like to thank my staff. I know it [wasn’t] easy, and they’ve always had my back. They love the job here in Thornton Township, and they love working for residents here,” Holbert Elston said.

Russell outlined a broader vision for Thornton Township’s highway department, pledging to develop workforce opportunities. “As highway commissioner, I am not just here to patch up the potholes. I’m here to build uses. I want this office to be a launching pad for careers in trade,” Russell said. “I want young people, returning citizens, and working class individuals to walk into my office and see purpose, skill, and opportunity.”

The swearing-in comes at a pivotal moment for the township, following months of turmoil under former Supervisor Tiffany Henyard. Her tenure, which was marked by public disputes and financial scrutiny, ended after she failed to get her name on the ballot for re-election. In February, Henyard faced a landslide loss for re-election as Dolton mayor to opponent Jason House. He was sworn into office earlier this month. 

The FBI is investigating spending practices under Henyard’s administration, CB. Federal agents have previously requested township records related to expense reimbursements and vendor payments, though no charges have been filed.

Neither Henyard nor outgoing trustee Darlene Gray Everett, a frequent ally of the former supervisor, attended last week’s ceremony.

Harris presented service awards to outgoing officials who did not seek reelection: Clerk Loretta Wells, Highway Commissioner Gary DePue, and Trustees Carmen Carlisle and Stephanie Wiedeman. The departing officials were also honored in an emotional send-off during their final meeting May 13.

Many south suburban electeds were in attendance, including Harvey Alds. Tracy Key (4th) and Colby Chapman (2nd), as well as Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill (5th), who works as the executive director of the Harvey Park District and also serves as a consultant for the Harvey public library. 

Harris helped McCaskill in her quest seeking the appointment to her seat after a vacancy arose.

“On behalf of the Fifth District, we are committed to working alongside you. We are bringing every resource that is under our jurisdiction to do so, and the city and the township are going to move forward,” said McCaskill during the public comment segment. “For those who have not heard the resounding sound on the horn, the train has left the station.”