CALLING ALL 'NO KINGS' PROTESTERS: Don't throw out those signs!
June 15, 2025
On June 14, 2025, more than 500 people flooded the streets of Freeport to take part in the “No Kings” protest—a passionate stand against political overreach, corruption, and the threats posed by authoritarianism. Protesters carried signs, chanted for justice, and called out abuses of power in state and federal government. But as Freeport’s own City Hall prepares for its June 16th Council meeting, we’re left wondering: will those same voices be used?
Because the truth is, the very things those protesters claimed to stand against—corruption, control, and silencing of dissent—are happening right now, right here in our city.
On Monday, June 16 at 6:00 PM, six members of our local government, led by a MAGA-aligned mayor, are preparing to cast their final votes on Ordinance 2025-37—a calculated amendment to the Rules of Council that, if passed, would systematically strip away the rights of opposition voices in city government. In other words: a local power grab, cloaked in procedural language.
If you thought “No Kings” was just about Washington D.C., think again. This ordinance change isn’t just about decorum. It’s about control—about silencing those who have dared to question this administration’s actions, and punishing those who have fought for accountability, transparency, and justice.
Some argue that, should it pass, this ordinance could be the textbook definition of a conspiracy to cover up crimes. It comes on the heels of growing scrutiny around Freeport’s use of taxpayer and grant funds, the manipulation of grant processes, the suppression of public records, and the retaliatory targeting of whistleblowers.
So what’s actually on the agenda Monday night? Here's a breakdown:
🔎 Key Agenda Highlights – June 16, 2025
🟨 Consent Agenda
A rubber-stamp section, totaling over $1.1 million in bills and $673k in payroll, likely to pass without any discussion. This includes the mayor’s appointment of Evelyn Curry to the Board of Fire and Police Commission.
🟧 Second Reading – Ordinance #2025-37
This is the main event. This ordinance amends Section 220.10 and 220.11 of the City Council’s rules, giving the majority bloc the ability to dictate who speaks, what gets discussed, and when. Democracy dies in the dark—and this rule puts the lights out.
🟥 Resolution of Censure – #R-2025-66
A resolution to publicly punish three council members who dared to use procedural tools and rules as the MAGA members have done. Their “crime”? Representing the people who elected them.
🟩 Zoning Map Change
Approval to change the zoning of 1500 S. West Ave (Aaron’s) from retail to service business.
🟦 Emergency Repairs – #R-2025-69
A resolution to cover emergency electrical repairs to the Police Department's A/C—because nothing says responsible governance like after-the-fact emergency spending with no prior transparency. The people of Freeport are suggesting that the Miller administration handle this emergency the same way they are dealing with the out of control crime. Rather than paying for the repair, gather in the streets and say a prayer and put a bouncy house on the police station lawn.
🕵️♂️ Closed-Door Executive Session
As usual, a laundry list of reasons for city leaders to enter into executive session (closed to the public), citing employment, discipline, lawsuits, negotiations, and vacancies. The usual murky business where real decisions get made.
If you were among the 500+ who marched for justice, who painted signs and raised your voice for the cause of democracy, this is your moment to show up again—not just for the national stage, but for your own backyard.
Because if you only protest when it’s politically fashionable, but stay silent when your own mayor and council act like kings, then what was all that marching for?
The meeting will be held Monday, June 16 at 6:00 PM at City Council Chambers, 314 W. Stephenson St. You have the right to speak during public comment. Use it.
Don’t let Freeport become the very thing you protested against.
— Fighting4Freeport
