During a quick and heated town hall meeting Tuesday evening, State Senator Napoleon Harris received the Democratic nomination for Thornton Township Supervisor in the April 2025 election, blocking incumbent Supervisor Tiffany Henyard from the vote.

Harris, the committee chairman of Thornton Township Democrats, who organized the caucus, was nominated as part of a slate of board candidates that also includes trustee Christopher Gonzalez and organizer Mary Avent, both outspoken critics of Henyard.

“I’m excited to get the community back on the right track,” Gonzalez said after the vote. “I think (Harris) is a good person to do that.”

Hundreds of people lined up hours in advance to meet at the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District auditorium, their IDs checked at the door. They were required to sign affidavits stating that they are residents of the community and that they did not vote in another political party’s primary election last year.

After the scheduled start time of 7:00 p.m., the meeting ended quickly, with many people still waiting outside the 600-person capacity auditorium. The nomination process required a full slate of eight candidates, which Henyard was missing because she only nominated herself, attorney Burt Oldelson said. Positions included supervisor, highway commissioner, clerk, appraiser and four trustees.

Since Harris’ proposal was the only one prepared, it was quickly supported and endorsed by a chorus of “yes” from township residents both in the auditorium and at the standing desks. Residents cheered as Henyard protested and the supervisor left, just as many sang the 1960s pop song “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” known locally as a taunt made by a visiting team’s pitcher during Chicago games White Sox is drawn.

As of Wednesday afternoon, however, caucus officials were unable to provide the list of candidates running on Harris’ ticket to reporters, who were also prevented from entering the building.

When the meeting adjourned, Henyard ignored reporters’ questions and quickly jumped into a black SUV. However, Keith Price, manager of the community’s food program who works closely with Henyard, said the operation was unlawful and would be challenged in court.

“They continued the vote without inviting all of these people,” Price said, gesturing to the more than 100 people lined up outside. “This is fraud.”

Price claimed those who were able to attend the meeting were not properly vetted to ensure they were residents of the community, a requirement for voting. Inside the building, Harris confirmed his candidacy for township supervisor but did not comment on possible challenges to his nomination.

As of now, Harris will be among five supervisor candidates on the April 1 ballot, joining Republican Richard Nolan, Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark and his Reform Thornton Township Party, and independent candidates Nate Fields Jr., Stafford Owens and Sidney Moore. The township’s Republicans held their own caucus Tuesday night.

Republican candidates for trustee include David Barnes, Jeffery Coleman, Kesha Richardson and Carl Dombrowski. Tim DeYoung, who is also Thornton Township’s Republican committee chairman, is running for highway commissioner.

Henyard, who was appointed supervisor in 2021 following the death of longtime former supervisor Frank Zuccarelli, is also mayor of Dolton and is under federal investigation in both roles. She faced stiff opposition inside and outside Thornton Township because of concerns about spending and controversial appointments and firings within her administration.

Unlike Thornton Township, Dolton will hold a primary election in February that will determine whether Henyard or Village Trustee Jason House will be the Democratic candidate for mayor. Price said Tuesday night he believes Henyard’s reputation among township residents could still win her re-election as supervisor as a candidate.

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Originally published: December 3, 2024 at 10:06 pm CST