June 03, 2025

On the evening of June 2, 2025, the people of Freeport filled City Hall to capacity for what may go down as one of the most pivotal City Council meetings in recent memory.

At exactly 6:00 p.m., the meeting was called to order before a packed chamber. The room buzzed with a mix of familiar faces and new ones—united across racial, political, and socioeconomic lines. It was a crowd that represented the best of Freeport: its people. With the legality of the May 19th council meeting still unresolved and several highly controversial items on the agenda, the public sent a clear message: we are here, we are paying attention, and we will not be silenced.

Among the crowd were current and former elected officials from both Freeport Township and the Stephenson County Board, as well as several members of the NAACP. After months of dysfunction, secrecy, and unanswered questions at City Hall, the people showed up—not in protest, but with purpose.

Two items defined the night: a proposed ordinance to limit council discussion time, and a resolution to censure the three remaining Democratic alderpeople who missed the disputed May 19 meeting. Critics described both as political theater—a power grab designed to punish dissent and silence those who question authority.

Yet, many of Freeport’s so-called leaders were nowhere to be seen. There was no visible presence from Republican or Democratic Party leadership. No High Hope Freeport. No Faith Leaders for Peace. No activist groups. Those that recently crowded to streets to protest National and State politics remained silent in their own hometown. Those who often preach from the safety of social media or the Sunday pulpit were absent. Both the marginalized and the elite stayed home. They left it to others. The left the work to be done by six of their neighbors.

The Public Speaks

Six community members stepped forward during public comment to remind the council—and the Mayor—what representation is supposed to look like.

Ted Odenthal, newly elected Township Trustee, opened the floor addressing Resolution #2025-62 supporting the “Ten Shared Principles of Community Policing.” While offering support, he reminded the chamber that this was not new. Freeport had already made these promises before, and the real challenge is following through.

Diane Jochum, a retired reverend, brought eloquent clarity as she addressed agenda items #11 and #20. With calm conviction, she challenged the proposed rule changes and the censure resolution. Her words balanced grace with accountability—an urgent reminder of democratic values.

Kelvin McIlwain, Freeport Township Trustee, spoke next with powerful emotion. Stating that in all his years, he’s never seen a governing body try to limit what can be discussed for the benefit of the people. He urged councilmembers to remember that the rules changed today will be the rules that govern tomorrow.

Casey Anthony, former Stephenson County Board member, focused on the blatant timing of the rule changes and sought after punishments. "Why now?" she asked. Why, after years of ignored decorum breaches, is punishment suddenly on the table? Her words cut through the hypocrisy and asked what so many were already thinking.

Then, in a moment that grabbed the entire room, 3rd Ward Alderwoman Rachel Simmons rose—not just from her seat, but from the sidelines of council protocol. Calm and composed, she stepped to the podium and directly addressed her accusers. “You have no where on record of me saying that I had any intent to disrupt any meeting and no actions of mine disrupted that meeting.” she told Aldermen Klemm and Shadle. Her words were few, but powerful. The room listened.

Final Speaker: Windy Pearson

Local activist Windy Pearson closed public comment with fire. In her signature, no-nonsense style, she didn’t hold back.
"Certain members of this council have lost their minds," she declared. "And we (the people) are going to continue to fight."

A Moment of Reckoning

As the council moved forward with discussion and votes, tension hung heavy in the room. Whether they chose to listen to the people or tighten their grip remained to be seen.

But one thing was certain: on June 2, Freeport’s citizens showed up.

Even if community leaders didn’t.

Even if the activists were quiet.

Even if the powerbrokers stayed home.

The people came. They spoke. They led.

And every single person on that council—especially the ones clinging to control—would do well to remember it.

-Fighting4Freeport