"The safety of our children is non-negotiable, but it is not the responsibility of Freeport taxpayers to fund the failures of a private institution. We must uphold the separation of church and state, while demanding accountability from those who neglected their duties for 25 years."
Joshua T. Atkinson Stands Against Taxpayer Funding for Private Institution’s Safety Failures: Calls for Accountability and Responsible Leadership
The recent discussions about the water main connection for the Open Bible Learning Center raise important concerns about leadership, public safety, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. While ensuring the safety of our children is paramount, we cannot allow past failures to dictate the future of Freeport’s financial and ethical responsibilities.
For 25 years, the Open Bible Learning Center has operated without a properly connected fire safety system, knowingly putting the safety of hundreds of children at risk. It is unacceptable that this institution has continued to provide an unsafe environment for our community’s children while failing to meet modern fire code standards. This situation should never have been allowed to persist for so long.
Let me be clear: this is not an issue that taxpayers should be burdened with. The verbal promises made by a previous administration without proper planning or follow-through represent a breakdown in leadership, but it is not the role of current residents to bear the financial weight of fixing those mistakes. Public funds should not be used to cover the infrastructure costs of a private religious institution. The principle of separation of church and state must be upheld.
This is just another example of why Freeport needs new, transparent leadership—leadership that makes decisions based on facts, accountability, and a clear plan for the future. The failures of prior administrations have led us to this point, and we must break the cycle of unfulfilled promises and irresponsible governance.
As your mayor, I will ensure that we prioritize the safety and well-being of all Freeport residents, while also focusing on fiscal responsibility and commonsense leadership. It is time to focus on projects that serve the greater good, improve public infrastructure, and grow our economy. The mistakes of the past must not be paid for by the future of our city.
Together, we can build a stronger, safer Freeport, with leadership that listens, plans, and delivers for the people.
