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Chicago Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Former Gov. Pat Quinn shares Memorial Day message in Blue Island
Former Gov. Pat Quinn never served in the military, but he still has a keen perspective on what Memorial Day means. Quinn was lieutenant governor of Illinois from 2003-2009 and governor from 2009-2015. In that time, he said he attended more than 300 funerals or services for military men and women from Illinois who died serving the United States. Sometimes, he said, he would attend two in a day. The 41st Illinois governor was the guest speaker Monday at the Blue Island Memorial Day program at Memorial Park. More than 100 people attended as he spoke about the meaning of Memorial Day. Quinn, 76, said when he was in office, he thought it was important for someone from the state to be at the funerals. 'Those were very, very sad days,' Quinn told the crowd. 'There were no words in the English language or the Spanish language or any language to relieve the pain of a mom or a dad who lost their son or daughter in serving our country in a faraway place.' Former Lansing resident and Thornton Township Board member Tom Shepherd, who helped bring Quinn to Blue Island for the speech, said he admired that the former governor was able to try to comfort so many families. 'I respected him to begin with,' Shepherd said. 'But I really respected him during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars when he was a governor. He went to services all around the state.' Shepherd remembers the Pullman area losing Sgt. Albert Ware, who died by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Quinn attended Ware's service and called him 'an all-American hero.' Shepherd was impressed Quinn took the time to come to the service. On Monday, Quinn echoed some of the thoughts of Blue Island American Legion Post 50 Cmdr. Joe Serbantez, who said Memorial Day was about more than cookouts and mattress sales. 'Yes, we have ballgames and we have picnics and all kinds of celebrations and that's good,' Quinn said. 'We were given a gift by God to be here in the United States as citizens in 2025. That's all important. 'But we cannot forget the significance of today, which is to honor all of those who came and served our country. We cannot forget them.' He said it's not just Memorial Day in which they should be remembered. 'As far as I'm concerned, every day should be Memorial Day,' Quinn said, 'We should remember the sacrifices of those who answered the call to duty, went into the face of danger and served our democracy.' He said this area is full of history and patriotism with people willing to serve. 'When you think about it, we're here in Illinois, Blue Island, Illinois, and we're the land of Lincoln,' Quinn said. 'Abraham Lincoln had talked about service at Gettysburg in 1863. That's why we're gathered here today. 'We want to honor those who understood the importance of protecting democracy.' The program featured prayers and remembrances from post chaplain Ken Young, 'The Star-Spangled Banner' and 'God Bless America' sung by Christine Rodriguez, a sounding of taps by Jerry Dagenais and the placement of wreaths by members of the Latin American Advisory Council. Former Blue Island residents Bob and Judy Kissel, who now live in Palos Heights, make attending the Blue Island ceremony a tradition. Judy, 84, brought a rose to a monument at Memorial Park in honor of her grandfather, Chester Kaufman, who served in World War II. 'We grew up in Blue Island and used to swim in the pool over there (on the Memorial Park property) and my husband played Pony League here,' she said. 'We like coming back.' Judy was escorted to the monument by Quinn. 'It was special to have him here,' she said. 'He had a very good message.' In Orland Park, the names of the five veterans who were recently added to the village's granite wall memorial, Ara Pacé, which means Place of Peace, were read aloud during a ceremony. They are David A Trechel, who served in the Marines from 1969-1970; Thomas T Georgas, in the Army from 1966-1967; Roberto Bargas, in the Army from 1944-1946; Kenneth R Kovac, in the Army 1988-1992; and Gam Mon Yee, in the Army 1957-1959. 'Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage and selflessness of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country,' said Mayor James Dodge. The ceremony included representatives of the Orland Park Veterans Commission, the American Legion Orland Memorial Post 111, Veterans Voices Military Group, VFW Reber-Tesmond Post 2604 and the Orland Park Children's Choir.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tiffany Henyard skips final regular meeting during tenure as Thornton Township supervisor
Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard was absent from the last regularly scheduled board meeting before new leadership is sworn in Monday, while attending trustees exchanged heartfelt goodbyes with community members. The Township Board voted to settle a lawsuit with employee Kathryn Granberry and to spend $3,000 for an 'employee luncheon.' The board also paid bills with the exception of several reoccurring services Henyard previously pushed. Meeting attendees, including newly elected trustees Mary Avent and Valeria Stubbs who take office Monday, expressed gratitude for board members Chris Gonzalez, Carmen Carlisle and Stephanie Wiedeman for their leadership during Henyard's three-year tenure as supervisor. 'I'll be forever grateful for all three of you,' Stubbs said. 'You came in, you did what we needed you to do,' Avent said, addressing Wiedeman. 'For that we say thank you, although I know we'll see you again.' Wiedeman, who residents voted onto the board in January to replace Gerald Jones who resigned three months prior, shed tears as she and other board members received bouquets of flowers. Neither she nor Carlisle sought another term, while Gonzalez was reelected as part of the slate that includes state Sen. Napoleon Harris, who will replace Henyard next week as supervisor. Also honored were Highway Commissioner Gary DePue and Clerk Loretta Wells, who tended to stay mum during clashes between Henyard and trustees. Neither official sought reelection this year, with Antwon D. Russell and Casey A. Nesbit, respectively, succeed them. 'This is bittersweet,' Wells said, choking up while noting she has worked with the township for 40 years. 'It was tough. I had to stay neutral … I'm just wishing nothing but love to the next administration and the next clerk.' Trustee Darlene Gray Everett, who has frequently voted alongside Henyard despite other board members' opposition to her, was absent. Henyard was unable to secure a spot on the ballot despite seeking reelection after losing the Democratic nomination to Harris during a caucus in December. In the historically Democratic voting region, Harris received 75% of the vote for supervisor. Independent candidate Nate Fields trailed with 11% of the vote, followed by Republican Richard Nolan with 10% and Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark, who had withdrawn from the race, with 5%. Henyard, who until recently was also mayor of Dolton, lost her bid for reelection in the village as well. Jason House and members of his slate were sworn in earlier this month. The new Thornton Township Board will be sworn in during a ceremony scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday at the Tiwnship Hall, 333 E. 162nd St. Gonzalez announced a short meeting will take place ahead of the inauguration at 12:30 p.m. Trustees didn't mention Henyard be name, but alluded to their issues with her that ranged from name calling to general lack of communication surrounding policies and meeting structure. Federal investigators have at least twice before visited Dolton and Thornton Township in search of documents, including expense reimbursements and other payments made to Henyard. No charges have been filed. 'This hasn't been an easy journey, but when you rally together, there is strength in numbers,' Carlisle said during the meeting. 'I just want to say thank you to you all for all your kindness that you've shown during this time, and just all the love and support … I think it's so important for people to see what's going on in these small communities, because there are so many changes that are needed.' ostevens@
Chicago Tribune
14-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Tiffany Henyard skips final regular meeting during tenure as Thornton Township supervisor
Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard was absent from the last regularly scheduled board meeting before new leadership is sworn in Monday, while attending trustees exchanged heartfelt goodbyes with community members. The Township Board voted to settle a lawsuit with employee Kathryn Granberry and to spend $3,000 for an 'employee luncheon.' The board also paid bills with the exception of several reoccurring services Henyard previously pushed. Meeting attendees, including newly elected trustees Mary Avent and Valeria Stubbs who take office Monday, expressed gratitude for board members Chris Gonzalez, Carmen Carlisle and Stephanie Wiedeman for their leadership during Henyard's three-year tenure as supervisor. 'I'll be forever grateful for all three of you,' Stubbs said. 'You came in, you did what we needed you to do,' Avent said, addressing Wiedeman. 'For that we say thank you, although I know we'll see you again.' Wiedeman, who residents voted onto the board in January to replace Gerald Jones who resigned three months prior, shed tears as she and other board members received bouquets of flowers. Neither she nor Carlisle sought another term, while Gonzalez was reelected as part of the slate that includes state Sen. Napoleon Harris, who will replace Henyard next week as supervisor. Also honored were Highway Commissioner Gary DePue and Clerk Loretta Wells, who tended to stay mum during clashes between Henyard and trustees. Neither official sought reelection this year, with Antwon D. Russell and Casey A. Nesbit, respectively, succeed them. 'This is bittersweet,' Wells said, choking up while noting she has worked with the township for 40 years. 'It was tough. I had to stay neutral … I'm just wishing nothing but love to the next administration and the next clerk.' Trustee Darlene Gray Everett, who has frequently voted alongside Henyard despite other board members' opposition to her, was absent. Henyard was unable to secure a spot on the ballot despite seeking reelection after losing the Democratic nomination to Harris during a caucus in December. In the historically Democratic voting region, Harris received 75% of the vote for supervisor. Independent candidate Nate Fields trailed with 11% of the vote, followed by Republican Richard Nolan with 10% and Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark, who had withdrawn from the race, with 5%. Henyard, who until recently was also mayor of Dolton, lost her bid for reelection in the village as well. Jason House and members of his slate were sworn in earlier this month. The new Thornton Township Board will be sworn in during a ceremony scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday at the Tiwnship Hall, 333 E. 162nd St. Gonzalez announced a short meeting will take place ahead of the inauguration at 12:30 p.m. Trustees didn't mention Henyard be name, but alluded to their issues with her that ranged from name calling to general lack of communication surrounding policies and meeting structure. Federal investigators have at least twice before visited Dolton and Thornton Township in search of documents, including expense reimbursements and other payments made to Henyard. No charges have been filed. 'This hasn't been an easy journey, but when you rally together, there is strength in numbers,' Carlisle said during the meeting. 'I just want to say thank you to you all for all your kindness that you've shown during this time, and just all the love and support … I think it's so important for people to see what's going on in these small communities, because there are so many changes that are needed.'
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State Sen. Napoleon Harris leading in race for Thornton Township supervisor
State Sen. Napoleon Harris and members of his Democratic slate were far ahead of other candidates seeking positions on the Thornton Township Board, according to unofficial results Tuesday from the Cook County clerk's office. With 101 of 104 precincts reporting, Harris had 74%, followed by Independent candidate Nate Fields with 10.8%, Republican Richard Nolan with 10.4% and Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark with 4.6%. Whoever is elected supervisor will be responsible for providing social services and organizing events within Thornton Township's 17 municipalities. Incumbent Supervisor Tiffany Henyard was not listed on the ballot though was attempting a write-in campaign. Henyard faced legal and voter approval challenges both in her township race and in Dolton, where she is mayor. Harris beat out Henyard for the Democratic nomination during the party's caucus in December, which he organized and presided over as committeeman for the Thornton Township Democrats. Henyard has continued seeking support in the supervisor race through social media, encouraging township residents to write her name in as supervisor in videos on Facebook. Henyard evaded questions from reporters who approached her after she voted at Diekman School Tuesday afternoon. Trustee candidates on Harris' Democratic slate include incumbent Trustee Christopher Gonzalez, seeking reelection, as well as Mary Avent, Valeria Stubbs and Byron Stanley. According to unofficial results, all four were leading Tuesday evening. Stanley had 10,437 votes, Gonzalez had 10,316 and Avent and Stubbs both had 10,152. Harris also aligned himself with Casey Nesbit, running unopposed for township clerk, Cassandra Holbert Elston, uncontested reelection as assessor without an opponent, and Antwon Russell, challenged by Republican Tim DeYoung for highway commissioner. DeYoung is part of a larger Republican slate led by Nolan, who hoped to capitalize on many residents' disillusionment with Henyard, a Democrat. Trustee candidates were Carl V. Dombrowski, who had 2,084 votes Tuesday night, Kesha Richardson with 1,987 votes, Jeffrey Coleman with 1,915 votes and David J. Barnes with 1,846 votes. Walking out of Dolton's Diekman Elementary School polling location Tuesday afternoon, Kieanji Williams said she voted for 'anybody but a Democrat.' 'Historically, Black people vote for Democrats just because they think that these people made us free,' Williams, 27, said. 'I think we need a little bit more change in our voting behavior so it's not like free votes, like they already know that they got us in the bag.' According to data from the federal Census Bureau, of Thornton Township's nearly 158,000 population, about 70% are Black, 15% are Hispanic or Latino, and 14% are white. The third slate of candidates, filed under the Reform Thornton Township Party, was led by Harvey Mayor Clark. Clark announced in February they were withdrawing from the race but their names still appeared on the ballot. Others on Clark's slate were trustee candidates Dominique Randle-El, who had 1,350 votes Tuesday, David Clay with 1,031 votes, Jacinta J. Gholston with 945 votes and Rachel Jones with 547 votes. Randle-El is Harvey's 5th Ward alderman. Clark did not respond to questions about why his name was not removed form the ballot. Avent, on the Democratic ticket, said Tuesday it was 'a snake move' on his part. 'It splits the vote,' Avent said outside of the Diekman School polling place. 'I think that was done intentionally.' Independent candidate Fields returned to the ballot in January thanks to a Cook County circuit court ruling. He was previously removed by the township electoral board for failing to bind his statement of candidacy with his nomination petitions. Henyard was appointed supervisor in March 2022 by the board and nominated by her now outspoken opponent, Trustee Gonzalez, shortly after the death of longtime Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli. Federal investigators have since subpoenaed Dolton, Thornton Township and Thornton Township District 205 for financial information and other records related to Henyard. Dolton credit card records show tens of thousands of dollars of spending by village officials including last year alone, much of it related to travel. Misspending and lack of transparency were chief concerns among Henyard's critics on the board of trustees and residents who have frequently overflowed the township hall for board meetings. ostevens@
Chicago Tribune
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
State Sen. Napoleon Harris leading in race for Thornton Township supervisor
State Sen. Napoleon Harris and members of his Democratic slate were far ahead of other candidates seeking positions on the Thornton Township Board, according to unofficial results Tuesday from the Cook County clerk's office. With 101 of 104 precincts reporting, Harris had 74%, followed by Independent candidate Nate Fields with 10.8%, Republican Richard Nolan with 10.4% and Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark with 4.6%. Whoever is elected supervisor will be responsible for providing social services and organizing events within Thornton Township's 17 municipalities. Incumbent Supervisor Tiffany Henyard was not listed on the ballot though was attempting a write-in campaign. Henyard faced legal and voter approval challenges both in her township race and in Dolton, where she is mayor. Harris beat out Henyard for the Democratic nomination during the party's caucus in December, which he organized and presided over as committeeman for the Thornton Township Democrats. Henyard has continued seeking support in the supervisor race through social media, encouraging township residents to write her name in as supervisor in videos on Facebook. Henyard evaded questions from reporters who approached her after she voted at Diekman School Tuesday afternoon. Trustee candidates on Harris' Democratic slate include incumbent Trustee Christopher Gonzalez, seeking reelection, as well as Mary Avent, Valeria Stubbs and Byron Stanley. According to unofficial results, all four were leading Tuesday evening. Stanley had 10,437 votes, Gonzalez had 10,316 and Avent and Stubbs both had 10,152. Harris also aligned himself with Casey Nesbit, running unopposed for township clerk, Cassandra Holbert Elston, uncontested reelection as assessor without an opponent, and Antwon Russell, challenged by Republican Tim DeYoung for highway commissioner. DeYoung is part of a larger Republican slate led by Nolan, who hoped to capitalize on many residents' disillusionment with Henyard, a Democrat. Trustee candidates were Carl V. Dombrowski, who had 2,084 votes Tuesday night, Kesha Richardson with 1,987 votes, Jeffrey Coleman with 1,915 votes and David J. Barnes with 1,846 votes. Walking out of Dolton's Diekman Elementary School polling location Tuesday afternoon, Kieanji Williams said she voted for 'anybody but a Democrat.' 'Historically, Black people vote for Democrats just because they think that these people made us free,' Williams, 27, said. 'I think we need a little bit more change in our voting behavior so it's not like free votes, like they already know that they got us in the bag.' According to data from the federal Census Bureau, of Thornton Township's nearly 158,000 population, about 70% are Black, 15% are Hispanic or Latino, and 14% are white. The third slate of candidates, filed under the Reform Thornton Township Party, was led by Harvey Mayor Clark. Clark announced in February they were withdrawing from the race but their names still appeared on the ballot. Others on Clark's slate were trustee candidates Dominique Randle-El, who had 1,350 votes Tuesday, David Clay with 1,031 votes, Jacinta J. Gholston with 945 votes and Rachel Jones with 547 votes. Randle-El is Harvey's 5th Ward alderman. Clark did not respond to questions about why his name was not removed form the ballot. Avent, on the Democratic ticket, said Tuesday it was 'a snake move' on his part. 'It splits the vote,' Avent said outside of the Diekman School polling place. 'I think that was done intentionally.' Independent candidate Fields returned to the ballot in January thanks to a Cook County circuit court ruling. He was previously removed by the township electoral board for failing to bind his statement of candidacy with his nomination petitions. Henyard was appointed supervisor in March 2022 by the board and nominated by her now outspoken opponent, Trustee Gonzalez, shortly after the death of longtime Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli. Federal investigators have since subpoenaed Dolton, Thornton Township and Thornton Township District 205 for financial information and other records related to Henyard. Dolton credit card records show tens of thousands of dollars of spending by village officials including last year alone, much of it related to travel. Misspending and lack of transparency were chief concerns among Henyard's critics on the board of trustees and residents who have frequently overflowed the township hall for board meetings.
