Thornton Township Trustees Outvote Henyard in Hostile Board Meeting

Power Struggle Continues as Trustees Flex Authority

In a contentious board meeting marked by heated exchanges, Thornton Township Trustees voted 3-2 to outvote Supervisor Frank Z. Henyard Jr. on several key issues, including the approval of meeting minutes and the appointment of a new township attorney.

Henyard Accuses Trustees of Overreach

Henyard, a Democrat, accused the three Republican trustees of overstepping their authority and attempting to undermine his leadership. He argued that the meeting was invalid because proper notice had not been given and that the trustees' actions were politically motivated.

Trustees Defend Actions

The three Republican trustees, led by Trustee Terrance Martin, defended their actions, saying they were acting in the best interests of the township. They accused Henyard of being dictatorial and of ignoring the concerns of the board and the community.

Dispute Over Meeting Minutes

One of the key disputes at the meeting was over the approval of meeting minutes from previous meetings. Henyard objected to the minutes, saying they were inaccurate and did not reflect what had actually happened.

The trustees voted to approve the minutes over Henyard's objections. Henyard said he would challenge the vote in court.

Appointment of New Township Attorney

Another major issue at the meeting was the appointment of a new township attorney. Henyard had proposed appointing his own attorney, but the trustees voted to appoint their own candidate.

Henyard said the trustees' choice was unqualified and that he would not work with him. The trustees said they had confidence in their appointee and that Henyard was simply trying to obstruct the board's work.

Power Struggle Continues

The board meeting was the latest in a series of contentious meetings between Henyard and the trustees. The power struggle between the two sides is expected to continue in the coming months.

Henyard has been criticized by some for his leadership style and for his handling of the township's finances. The trustees have accused him of being dictatorial and of ignoring the concerns of the board and the community.

Henyard has defended his record, saying he is working to improve the township and that the trustees are trying to undermine his efforts. The power struggle between the two sides is expected to continue in the coming months.