Thornton Township officials ask for time to manage finances as residents question supervisor's salary
The first budgets taken on by Supervisor Napoleon Harris passed unanimously but faced questions from some in the nearly full audience. People who criticized former Supervisor Tiffany Henyard expressed frustration that Harris was carrying on of the former supervisor's $202,000 salary.
'My comment is to you, Supervisor Harris, what motivated you to seek the supervisor position of Thornton Township?' asked Jennifer Robertz during the public comment period. 'Was it solely for the six-figure compensation, or did you feel the sense of entitlement to become the most powerful figure in the Southland?'
Former township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard's salary, exceeding $200,000, was a rallying point among her opponents. The slate of candidates led by Harris promised increased transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility for township residents.
While township ordinance called for Henyard's successor to make $54,000, a bill out of the Illinois General Assembly, where Harris is a senator, allowed him to continue to make over $200,000 as supervisor. Harris also earns a more than $103,000 salary as state senator, according to the state.
Harris did not address the public regarding his continuation of Henyard's salary but said he is 'going to stick to the business.'
'Sometimes, as we take office, people often wonder why we do it,' Harris said in his report. 'Because, genuinely, people care. That are not enough people that care enough to do it.'
Harris later told the Daily Southtown he did not push forward the bill that allowed him to earn the same salary as Henyard, but said he supported it, as he believed it unfair for elected officials to be able lower the salary for these successors.
'This bill basically said that someone, your predecessor, can't make the office less desirable just so they can remain in office,' Harris said.
Harris and several trustees requested residents' patience as they worked to create positive change in the township, as many meeting attendees complained about a bloated budget compared to years before.
Members of the new administration said the budget looked different due to their renewed interest in providing services that improve upon residents' lives.
'I only ask that you give us a chance,' said Trustee Mary Avent, a former anti-Henyard activist. 'We've been here 63 days. I only ask that you give us a chance to do what you elected us to do.'
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