As opposed to the Democratic caucus that kept Supervisor Tiffany Henyard off the ballot in Thornton Township’s upcoming election, Tuesday night’s meeting electing Stephanie Wiedeman as new trustee was orderly and contained.
What stayed the same, however, was attending residents’ rebuke of Henyard and candidates she supports.
More than 300 people showed up in sub-zero degree weather to the South Suburban College Athletic Fieldhouse to vote in a trustee to replace Gerald Jones, who resigned from his post in October with little explanation. His absence left the board divided, with Trustees Chris Gonzalez and Carmen Carlisle on one side and Henyard and Trustee Darlene Gray Everett on the other.
Since then, Gonzalez and Carlisle have boycotted or walked out on most board meetings, refusing to play a part in what they called political games and smoke and mirrors on the part of the supervisor, which included forcing a vote on a new trustee. Henyard sued the two trustees last week over their absences and has blamed them for the township losing insurance coverage and laying off employees.
Nevertheless, Gonzalez and Carlisle remained consistent in their determination to resist pressure to conform and to allow residents to directly choose Stephanie Wiedeman as Jones’ replacement.
“The work begins now,” Gonzalez said after the majority of township residents voted for Wiedeman, raising yellow paddles and cheering, at the fieldhouse. “We have a vision — we kind of have an idea of what we’d like to see, at least in the short term. This is a big step in seeing that through.”
Gonzalez said he knows Wiedeman as a former township employee with enough experience to hit the ground running, making inroads until the next election April 1. He said major priorities are to settle the township’s insurance issues and pay all necessary bills.
“The good thing is, we have three people now who are willing to talk to each other and create good solutions for the township,” Gonzalez said. “People will see a difference right away.”
Wiedeman took her oath of office directly after winning the board seat, receiving about 150 votes while runner up Carol Cook gained about 40 votes and Charles Rayburn saw only a handful.
Wiedeman said she has lived in Thornton Township most of her life and now lives in the village of Thornton. She said she has 20 years experience under her belt working in many township departments.
“There’s been a lot of things happening, and I think it’s time to get the township back up and running and to a place where our residents are happy and comfortable with our services,” Wiedeman said.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
