Illegally Sworn In? Freeport Mayor Starts Term Without Quorum or Answers

May 20, 2025

The May 19, 2025, Freeport City Council meeting was supposed to mark a peaceful transition and new beginning. Instead, it exposed what many are calling a dangerous breach of city law.

According to Freeport ordinance 220.02, newly elected alderpersons are to be inaugurated during the second regular City Council meeting of May. That meeting cannot begin unless a quorum—five of the eight elected alderpersons—is present. On Monday night, only four alderpeople were in council chambers. Absent were Alderman James Monroe, Alderwoman Cecelia Stacy, Alderman Larry Sanders, and Alderwoman Rachel Simmons.

Without a quorum, no meeting could legally be called to order. But that didn’t stop Mayor Jodi Miller.

Rather than waiting for the remaining alderpeople—two of whom were reportedly just outside the building—Mayor Miller moved forward. At her direction, City Attorney Szeto told Linda Johnson to assume the 2nd Ward seat currently held by Alderman James Monroe—before any roll call, before any vote, before the agenda item designated for swearing in new alderpeople.

When was Linda Johnson sworn in? Who swore her in? Where did it happen—and why was it done in secrecy?

City ordinance requires outgoing alderpersons to serve until their successors are “elected and qualified.” That qualification was scheduled to occur during the May 19 meeting—yet the meeting had not legally begun.

This irregular, possibly unlawful action sparked immediate backlash.

Council Members Take a Stand Outside City Hall

Refusing to participate in what they called an illegal and dishonest meeting, Monroe and Stacy, supported by Sanders, Simmons and the public, instead held a press conference on the front steps of City Hall. They were joined by members of the press from WIFR and WTVO, as well as concerned residents.

Alderman James Monroe delivered the following speech, which we print in full below:

Speech by Alderman James Monroe

May 19, 2025 – Freeport City Hall

Good evening, Freeport.

I’m here tonight not just as an alderman—but as your voice.

Alongside Alderwoman Cecelia Stacy, I speak for those who entrusted us to protect transparency, defend accountability, and stand up for what's right. Alderman Larry Sanders and Alderwoman Rachal Simmons are not here tonight to avoid violating Illinois law. That should tell you how serious this is.

For eight long years, Freeport has been held back—plagued by dysfunction, inconsistency, and a staggering lack of leadership under Mayor Jodi Miller. But tonight, we draw a hard line.

Just days after being reelected, Mayor Miller retaliated against her former opponent, Joshua Atkinson—someone who had the courage to offer Freeport a future rooted in progress. Instead of honoring that commitment to public service, she removed him from the Planning Commission without cause, consultation, or transparency.

And who replaced him?

Someone with a criminal record that includes felony drug trafficking, multiple DUIs, and most recently, an arrest for domestic violence. Let’s be real—meth convictions and violence against women do not qualify anyone to help shape Freeport’s future. This isn’t bad judgment—it’s a disgrace.

This city deserves answers. Why was this individual selected? Why was the council bypassed? What message does this send to our residents, our children, and to every honest person trying to build a better Freeport?

But that’s not all.

Last month, the council was ready—legally obligated, in fact—to conduct the annual performance review for City Manager Rob Boyer. We had a framework. We had agreement. But the mayor shut it down. Delayed it. And flat-out removed my ability to provide input—for the first and only time in my term.

That’s not leadership. That’s control. That’s a dictatorship in disguise.

Today was supposed to be a day of unity. A peaceful transition. I was ready to pass the torch to Linda Johnson and continue serving in other ways. But how do we move forward when the very foundations of governance are being hijacked?

Let’s talk about City Manager Rob Boyer. He faces serious allegations from long-term residents—allegations that haven’t been addressed. His ongoing retaliation against citizens and the silencing of council voices is a direct violation of your rights. And it’s unacceptable.

Let’s talk about corruption.

Mayor Miller and City Attorney Szeto have crossed the line—gaining access to resources the rest of Freeport has to pay for. Meanwhile, not a single road is being paved in this city. Two months into road construction season. That’s the cost of corruption—your roads, your services, your tax dollars, wasted.

And now, both Mayor Miller and Manager Boyer sit on the Greater Freeport Partnership—blatantly violating the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act. This isn’t a gray area. It’s illegal.

Then there’s Fehr Graham—the firm now acting as the city’s sole engineering provider. How did that happen? By firing a 43-year city employee on a bogus allegation. That opened the door for Manager Boyer to hand-pick Fehr Graham and give his own neighbor a leadership position within City Hall. That’s not public service—it’s insider dealing.

Let me be crystal clear:

This isn’t about party lines. It’s not about rivalries.

This is about truth.

This is about standards.

This is about Freeport.

So here’s what we demand:

Immediate resumption and completion of City Manager Rob Boyer’s performance review—with input from the full council.

A public explanation from Mayor Miller about the Planning Commission appointment and her refusal to collaborate with this body.

The resignations of Mayor Miller, Manager Boyer, and Attorney Szeto from any position that creates a conflict of interest.

Anything less? Unacceptable.

We work for the people of Freeport—not for power, not for paybacks, and definitely not to stay silent.

Thank you. I’ll now take your questions.

What Happens Next?

As of now, City Hall has released no timeline or documentation regarding Linda Johnson’s alleged swearing-in. No official explanation has been provided about how a meeting was called to order without a quorum, or what legal basis allowed Johnson to assume office prematurely.

According to City Ordinance 220.02, the “inauguration of the newly elected Alderpersons shall be during the second regular City Council meeting during the month of May.” That meeting never legally began.

If the city's laws were knowingly violated to avoid accountability and transparency, the implications are severe. Residents deserve answers, and potentially, action.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

If you're concerned about what happened Monday night, contact your alderperson. Demand answers. Demand transparency. Attend the next meeting. Speak during public comment. Ask to see the oath of office records. Share this article.

We cannot allow Freeport’s laws to become meaningless formalities.
We cannot allow our city to be run in the dark.

Stay informed. Stay involved. Stay loud.

— Fighting4Freeport