Finance Report Sparks Tension

The evening opened with Alderwoman Cecelia Stacy requesting that the Finance Department Report be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Her simple ask triggered a visibly uncomfortable exchange with Mayor Miller and City Clerk Dovie Anderson, who repeatedly pressed Stacy to cite page numbers. Many in the room saw it as a thinly veiled attempt to publicly embarrass the alderwoman for questioning the administration.

Mayor Miller ultimately admitted that Finance Director Michelle Richter was not present, stating it would be “not fair to ask Tommy” — another staffer — to address the report. The item was pulled, but no discussion followed.

Proclamations and Evasion

Mayor Miller then delivered three ceremonial proclamations:

• National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4–10),

• United Way’s 75th Anniversary Day (May 5),

• World Migratory Bird Day (May 10).

But the crowd’s attention remained fixed on a more pressing issue: the unexplained removal of Mayor Miller’s former opponent, Joshua Atkinson, from the Planning Commission. Atkinson had been appointed last year with council approval to finish a term and set to auto-renew. Just one week after losing the April election, he received an email informing him that he had been replaced and was no longer needed.

Silence Enforced by Procedure

Before any public or council discussion could occur, Alderman Greg Shadle quickly moved to table the issue indefinitely. Alderman Don Parker seconded. With support from Aldermen Joy Sellers and Tom Klemm, the motion resulted in a 4-4 tie—leaving it to Mayor Miller to cast the deciding vote. She voted "Aye," effectively ensuring that the public would never receive an official explanation.

The same pattern played out again minutes later. After concerns were raised about Atkinson’s replacement—who has a history of drug trafficking, multiple DUI arrests, and a recent strangulation charge—Shadle and Parker again motioned to table the issue indefinitely. Supported again by Sellers and Klemm, and sealed once more with Miller’s vote, the mayor avoided accountability for appointing someone with an alarming criminal record to a key city planning position.

Alderwoman Stacy spoke directly to the audience: “I hope you see what is happening right in front of your face.”

The irony was compounded when Alderwoman Joy Sellers, who had voted against Executive Session just last meeting, suggested this matter be discussed in Executive Session instead. Her pivot did not go unnoticed by attendees.

Monroe Speaks Out

During a separate agenda item regarding a special-use permit for Family Dollar on West Avenue to sell alcohol, Alderman James Monroe referenced Mayor Miller’s well-known history of supporting alcohol consumption—confirming public suspicions of her frequent presence at select local bars and private events.

Later, during public comment, Monroe—participating in his final meeting—made one thing clear: “I have the receipts.” He accused Mayor Miller and City Manager Rob Boyer of deliberately blocking a Ford dealership from opening in Freeport. Many now wonder if political favoritism and campaign donor interests played a role in the decision.

Public Comment: The Boiling Point

Tensions erupted during public comment.

One longtime resident called out Mayor Miller and City Manager Boyer directly for accusing an AFSCME union representative of being a “leak” after they were spotted in public together. The resident said she had been friends with the union representative for over 25 years and was appalled by the accusation, calling it “personal politics at its worst.”

Joshua Atkinson himself took the podium, thanking the council—not for service, but for reminding him why he ran. “You should be embarrassed,” he said. “The election is over. You won. Now stop working for Senator Andrew Chesney and start working for the people of Freeport.”

Another resident pointed to what they described as a pattern during Miller’s time in office, stating that “every time she gets involved with a different man, Freeport suffers,” before another openly calling for her removal or resignation.

Police Presence Raises Eyebrows

For the first time in recent memory, a Freeport police officer was stationed outside of City Hall during the meeting. While city officials made no formal comment on the officer’s presence, many attendees saw it as a troubling sign—an attempt to silence or intimidate vocal residents amid rising civic unrest.

One community member remarked, “When the mayor needs a badge standing guard outside public meetings, that’s not leadership—it’s fear disguised as authority.”

The Mayor's Political Shield

Aldermen Shadle and Parker once again proved themselves as Mayor Miller’s political “Knights in Shining Armor.” Their repeated efforts to shield the mayor from scrutiny—through procedural stalling and block-voting—underscored a broader concern: that Freeport’s council majority is more interested in protecting its political figurehead than serving its constituents.

With backing from Sellers and Klemm, and with Mayor Miller herself casting tie-breaking votes, a troubling pattern of obstruction has taken root in City Hall.

As Mayor Miller prepares to begin her third term, Freeport residents are reflecting on her signature campaign slogan: “Streets aren’t red or blue.” But after Monday night, it’s clear to many that City Hall is drenched in red—and public trust is quickly running dry.